Opera (Cambridge Introductions to Music) - Softcover

Cannon, Robert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521746477 ISBN 13: 9780521746472

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2012

Synopsis

What is opera and how does it work? How has this dramatic form developed and what is its relevance in the modern world? Perfect for music students and opera-goers, this introductory guide addresses these questions and many more, exploring opera as a complete theatrical experience. Organised chronologically and avoiding technical musical terminology, the book clearly demonstrates how opera reflected and reacted to changes in the world around it. A special feature of the volume is the inclusion of illustrative tables throughout. These provide detailed, easy to follow analysis of arias, scenes and acts; visual guides to historical movements; and chronologies relating to genres and individual composers' works. Overall, the book fosters an understanding of opera as a living form as it encounters and uses material from an ever expanding repertoire in time, place and culture.

About this title

Book Description:

Designed for music students and opera-goers, this book enables a thorough understanding of what opera is and how it works, with an emphasis on its dramatic experience. Organised chronologically, the book shows how the many different kinds of opera have developed and explores specific examples using accessible illustrative tables.

About the Author:

Robert Cannon is an independent music critic and writer and runs dedicated courses on opera and theatre. He designed and created the first Degree in Opera Studies, which is offered as Distance Learning by Rose Bruford College and is validated by the University of Manchester.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0521746477
• ISBN 13: 9780521746472
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 450