Ancient Rome in early opera

"In this volume, Robert C. Ketterer tracks the changes as operas' Roman subjects crossed generations and national boundaries. He also pays close attention to the composers' individual approaches to developing their librettos. Following opera from its origins in seventeenth-century Venice to Napoleon's invasion of Italy, Ketterer shows how opera was preoccupied with Roman historical figures as heroes, lovers, and fools. Monteverdi, Handel, Mozart, and Cimarosa were only the most renowned of the many composers drawn to Roman subjects. Handel in particular is a unifying figure in this history: he began his career in Germany, refined his craft in Italy, and rose to heights of renown in England, composing for aristocracy and royalty alike. Roman history provided these composers with all the necessary courage and intrigue, love and honor, and triumph and defeat so vital for the stirring music that makes great opera."--BOOK JACKET.

Year

2008

Language

English

Publisher

University of Illinois Press

Editions

1

Pages

253

ISBN

9780252033780

Data source: Wikidata