History of the Opera from its Origin in Italy to the present Time / With Anecdotes of the Most Celebrated Composers and Vocalists of Europe

Name: History of the Opera from its Origin in Italy to the present Time / With Anecdotes of the Most Celebrated Composers and Vocalists of Europe
Author: H. Sutherland Edwards

By H. Sutherland Edwards

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Art History - European Music

About This Book

A nineteenth-century historical survey traces the emergence of opera in Italy and recounts its diffusion across European stages, treating its reception in Germany, France, and England. Organized by topic and period, the book combines chronological narrative with critical essays on the nature of opera, its relation to other dramatic forms, and the development of ballet and national schools. Interspersed are biographical anecdotes and evaluations of prominent composers and vocalists, and sustained commentary on stylistic shifts, performance practices, and public taste that shaped lyrical drama from its early recitative experiments to later reform movements.

About the Author

H. Sutherland Edwards

H. Sutherland Edwards was a notable English author and musicologist, recognized for his contributions to the understanding of opera and its history. His work, "History of the Opera from its Origin in Italy to the Present Time," provides a comprehensive overview of the genre, enriched with anecdotes about celebrated composers and vocalists. Edwards also explored the cultural landscape of Paris in his two-volume series, "Old and New Paris: Its History, Its People, and Its Places," which reflects his keen interest in the intersection of music and society. Additionally, he wrote about prominent figures in music, including Rossini, in works like "The Life of Rossini" and "The Great Musicians: Rossini and His School." His writings remain a valuable resource for those interested in the history of music and its cultural contexts.