Italian opera
By: David Kimbell.
Series: National traditions of opera
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 1991
Place of publication: Cambridge [England]; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 684
Subjects: Opera -- Italy
Description: Italy was the birthplace of opera. In this authoritative and accessible account of Italian opera, David Kimbell introduces the composers and dramatists, the singers and audiences who, over three hundred years, have created not only a national tradition but the central tradition from which others have drawn their inspiration. He traces the history of Italian opera from its origins in the humanism of the Renaissance to Puccini in the early twentieth century, drawing attention not only to musical issues but also to the social, literary, and philosophical ideas that have shaped modern Italian civilisation. Each part is illustrated by a detailed critical discussion of a key work [Publisher description].
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 646-672) and index.