Publisher's Synopsis
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 composers Monteverdi to Wagner. Following the widely acclaimed The History of Classical Music, Richard Fawkes traces the history of opera up to the present day discusses the history of operetta. The History of Opera features more than seventy-five musical examples.
