Reflecting a wide variety of approaches to eighteenth-century opera, this Companion brings together leading international experts in the field to provide a valuable reference source. Viewing opera as a complex and fascinating form of art and social ritual, rather than reducing it simply to music and text analysis, individual essays investigate aspects such as audiences, architecture of the theaters, marketing, acting style, and the politics and strategy of representing class and gender. Overall, the volume provides a synthesis of well established knowledge, reflects recent research on eighteenth-century opera, and stimulates further research. The reader is encouraged to view opera as a cultural phenomenon that can reveal aspects of our culture, both past and present. Eighteenth-century opera is experiencing continuing critical and popular success through innovative and provoking productions world-wide, and this Companion will appeal to opera goers as well as to students and teachers of this key topic.

The perfect accompaniment to courses on eighteenth-century opera for both students and teachers, this Companion is a definitive reference resource.

About the Author
Anthony R. DelDonna is Assistant Professor of Musicology at Georgetown University, Washington DC. Pierpaolo Polzonetti is Assistant Professor in the Program of Liberal Studies at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana.

Reviews
'This Companion has succeeded in its aim to address a wide range of skills and interests. The style is always accessible ... It cannot fail to leave its readers enlightened.' Musical Times



Book Information
ISBN 9780521695381
Author Anthony R. DelDonna
Format Paperback
Page Count 344
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 680g
Dimensions(mm) 247mm * 175mm * 16mm