Relive the rise of Italian opera in England and a beloved festival through one long memory.
This book gathers reminiscences and critical notes from a lifelong enthusiast about the Italian Opera in England, from the 1770s to more recent times. It blends personal recollections with vivid portraits of singers, composers, and performances, offering insight into how tastes and styles changed over decades. It also surveys English sacred music and the Great Westminster Abbey festival, contrasting English and Italian traditions with thoughtful, sometimes pointed, observations.
- A chronological view from the early days of opera in England to later seasons, with memorable stage figures and turning points.
- portraits of celebrated singers and their art, from Rauzzini to Gabrielli, and commentary on performance style.
- A look at English music, especially sacred works and glees, and how they fit with or stand apart from Italian opera.
- reflections on the Westminster Abbey festival, its triumphs, flaws, and lasting impact on English musical culture.
Ideal for readers of musical history, fans of 18th- and 19th-century performance, and anyone curious about how Italy’s operatic traditions shaped English stages.