Italian Opera

By David R.B. Kimbell

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521466431
• ISBN13: 9780521466431
• Release Date: April 1994
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 704 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A very useful resource covering a wide historical span.

The is a very useful resource covering a wide historical span. Of special note are the first two thirds of the book that cover the birth of opera up to appearance of Rossini which are not usually covered in opera texts. There is also a very useful bibliography.