Experience the passion and drama of the world's greatest operas with this sumptuously
illustrated visual guide. Immerse yourself in more than 400 years of the world's most
celebrated operas and discover the fascinating stories behind them. Explore the lives of
singers such as Maria Callas Luciano Pavarotti and Jonas Kaufmann. Meet composers like Mozart
Wagner and Britten and the librettists with whom they collaborated to create the magical
blend of words and music that make up opera. From its origins in the 17th-century courts of
Italy to live screenings in public spaces today Opera: The Definitive Illustrated Story
follows the history of opera from Monteverdi's L'Orfeo in 1607 to Cosi fan Tutte La Bohème
and modern operas such as Brokeback Mountain. It explains musical terminology traces
historical developments and sets everything in cultural context. This awe-inspiring opera
book further features: -Includes all of the most important operas from the Renaissance to the
21st century -Profiles the key composers librettists performers and companies with details
of their lives works and influence -Arranged in chronological order to show the evolution of
the genre -Clear informative explanation of musical terminology and different types of opera
Filled with photographs of all the key figures and performances this book revels in the sets
and costumes that make up the grand spectacle of opera. It also explores the great opera houses
of the world such as La Scala Milan the Met in New York and the Sydney Opera House. Opera:
The Definitive Illustrated Story is the essential book for anyone who wants to understand and
enjoy the constantly evolving world of this beloved art form. Did you know that there are more
than 25 000 opera performances per year worldwide? Opera: The Definitive Illustrated Story can
be regarded as the most lavishly illustrated history of opera currently available covering all
of the most important operas from the Renaissance to the 21st century and is completely global
in scope. A must-have volume for opera buffs whether as a gift or self-purchase if you're a
music lover looking for an accessible introduction to opera then this is the book for you!
