The History of Opera

by Richard Fawkes Narrated by Robert Powell

Overview

Since its origins in the sixteenth century, opera has been an extravagant, costly affair, arousing great passions. It has also produced some of the most sublime works of art, from Monteverdi to Wagner. Following the widely acclaimed History of Classical Music, Richard Fawkes traces the history of opera up to the present day and devotes the fourth to the history of operetta. Featuring more than seventy-five musical examples.

Editorial Reviews

JUN/JUL 00 - AudioFile

Despite being the most preposterous of art forms, opera has somehow survived the centuries. For most, though, it's an acquired taste, and this excellent history does a good deal to explain its origins and evolution to the opera buff. Fawkes's text is learned and insightful, but it's completely free of stuffiness and isn't likely to intimidate any listener with an intermediate knowledge of classical music. Robert Powell's reading is as confident and gentle as a guide's should be, with good command of all the German, Italian and Russian words. Finally, the 100 musical selections--not just from the Naxos catalogue, but also including early historical recordings--are well chosen, and just the right length to illustrate the concepts. D.B. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940174906952
Publisher:	Naxos Audiobooks
Publication date:	06/01/1999
Edition description:	Unabridged

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