Italian Opera

Tracing the history of Italian opera from its origins in the humanism of the Renaissance to Puccini in the early twentieth century, this authoritative account draws attention to influential social, literary and philosophical ideas as well as musical issues.

Kimbell (music, Univ. of Edinburgh) has penned an ambitious operatic history which presents opera as a reflection of Italy's culture and history. Many disparate elements have influenced the development of a genre so closely defined with Italy, and readers with access to scores or recordings of the works discussed will be particulary appreciative. A recent photo of Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti graces the dust jacket, but material on modern productions and singers is absent. This should appeal to fans familiar with the Italian operatic repertoire rather than the opera neophyte, in part because of the many musical examples which capture and illustrate changing operatic styles, as well as the distinctive traits of various composers. Recommended for music collections emphasizing operatic history.
- James E. Ross, Seattle P.L.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.