Lectures delivered by Professor Robert Greenberg of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Eight lectures in each container; in 4 containers.
Contents:
Introduction and words and music -- A brief history of vocal expression in music -- The invention of opera and Monteverdi's Orfeo -- The growth of opera, the development of Italian opera seria, and Mozart's Idomeneo -- The rise of opera buffa and Mozart's the Marriage of Figaro -- The bel canto style and Rossini's the Barber of Seville -- Verdi and Otello -- French opera -- German opera comes of age -- Richard Wagner and Tristan und Isolde -- Late Romantic German opera: Richard Strauss and Salome -- Russian opera -- Verismo, Puccini, and Tosca.
Summary:
The history of opera is traced from its beginning in the early 17th century to around 1924. The lectures examine landmark operas; musical, cultural, and social developments that influenced opera's growth; and the influence of national languages and cultures on opera.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.