What can musical benefits tell us about the ecology of performance in eighteenth-century Britain? Why did musical benefits become such an integral part of a performer’s work in the eighteenth century? How similar were benefits for performers to those for charities? What did musical benefits look like across Britain, in comparison with those in London? […]
Read MoreEver since I developed a passion for French music and started working on Berlioz and then Bizet, I was constantly aware of the formidable figure of Saint-Saëns at the end of the nineteenth century, contributing to every branch of music and regularly heard in concert halls and, thanks to Samson et Dalila, in opera houses […]
Read MoreThe opera house is one of the most successful new building types of modern times. Found all over the world, opera houses usually have three major features: private boxes stacked vertically around an open, central space; an orchestra pit; and a deep stage to hold elaborate scenery. Each of these features has its own history. […]
Read MoreThis book began life with a different title: ‘In tuono deciso’, or Verdi’s Heroines. The phrase ‘in tuono deciso’ (‘in a decided tone’) is a stage direction in the score of Verdi’s Alzira, when the eponymous protagonist is told by her father that she must marry not the man she loves but his enemy — […]
Read MoreNicholas Vazsonyi, the editor of The Cambridge Wagner Encyclopedia, explores the way Disney's Frozen hearkens back to the great operas of Wagner—with personal and universal themes, intensity, and a great soundtrack. Long live Wagner! Warning: contains spoilers.
Read MoreCelebrating Verdi's 200th in Austria last week, publicist Rachel took a cue from The Cambridge Verdi Encyclopedia and attended an anniversary production of Aida at the Vienna State Opera.
Read MoreToday marks the 200th birthday of Giuseppe Verdi, the celebrated Italian opera composer. To honor his legacy, we've created a playlist of some of his finest songs from eight of his beloved operas. To learn more about the composer and his operas, check out The Cambridge Verdi Encyclopedia, the essential reference on the life, works, and legacy of the operatic master.
Read MoreRobert Cannon's series concludes with a look at more modern operas, starting in the nineteenth century.
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