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Opera

Opera is one of the most fascinating and lively art forms of our time. It appeals to all the senses and transcends barriers of language and culture. In doing so, it is neither antiquated nor elitist: continual changes in both repertoire and the production of established operas are reflections of developments in present-day society. This magnificent, richly illustrated book contains most of what is covered by contemporary repertoires and allows one to experience at first hand all the vitality of the world of opera. This revised edition also keeps abreast of the most recent developments of our time. Here all important details, from characters, scene sequences and premieres to examples of the musical scores of central scenes and popular melodies, can be found with ease. Alphabetically sorted according to composer, this work is a well-arranged lexicon for all fans of both classical as well as modern opera–from Monteverdi to Handel, from Mozart to Britten and Stockhausen.

András Batta studied Musicology and Violoncello at the Franz Liszt Music Academy in Budapest, where he has also been teaching Music History since 1979. Between 1976 and 1996, he also arranged numerous music broadcasts on Hungarian radio, in Budapest, and on ORF, Vienna.

Highlights

• More than 350 comprehensive articles on the most important works in the history of opera, composed by 17 international specialist authors
• 1,500 illustrations, mostly in color: historical sketches, photos of productions and famous performers etc., including 300 new photos
• Designs for stage settings never before made public
• Detailed information according to act and scene
• History of the production and reception of the works up to the present day
• Examples of the scores of central themes and scenes
• Brief portraits of 140 composers, including 17 new entries
• Important developments in the history of opera
• Revised index of subjects and personalities
• Updated chronology of premieres, list of works and glossary