History of Opera

by Stanley Sadie (Editor)

A survey of opera covering baroque, pre-classical, classical, 19th century and 20th century. It includes an introductory essay on the nature and social place of opera and is organized by century examining national developments within the chronological framework. Discussion of stage design and production is included, offering the student, researcher or enthusiast an opportunity to see the development of design, stage movement and gesture in the context of the development of opera itself. The book contains many illustrations, engravings, prints and photographs.

485 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 1989

About the author

Stanley John Sadie CBE was an influential and prolific English musicologist, former music critic for The Times of London and editor of The Musical Times, published thirty books and edited the monumental New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.