A Book of Operas: Their Histories, Their Plots, and Their Music

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Krehbiel, Henry Edward, 1854-1923

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"A Book of Operas: Their Histories, Their Plots, and Their Music" by Henry Edward Krehbiel is a comprehensive analysis of opera, focusing on key works and their journeys through performance history, written in the late 19th century. This exploration delves into the narratives, characters, composers, and significant productions of various famous operas, elucidating how their intricate plots and musical compositions have evolved over time and gained traction in various cultural contexts. The opening of the book lays the groundwork by detailing the history of Italian opera in America, beginning with the landmark performance of Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia." This section highlights the challenges and triumphs faced during its introduction, including initial failures and later success, while recounting the pivotal roles performed by singers and composers involved. An in-depth examination of "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" reveals its plot dynamics, character motivations, and the ingenuity that Rossini brought to the score, often reflecting on how the work has been interpreted and adapted throughout the years, showcasing Krehbiel's expertise in bridging the gap between musical theory and practical performance history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Contents:

Il barbiere de Siviglia

Le nozze di Figaro

Die Zauberflöte

Don Giovanni

Fidelio

Faust

Mefistofele

La damnation de Faust

La traviata

Aïda

Der Freischütz

Tannhäuser

Tristan und Isolde

Parsifal

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

Lohengrin

Hänsel and Gretel.

Notes:

Reading ease score: 62.5 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.

Release date is 2004-05-01