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The Standard Operas, Their Plots and Their Music
Hardcover
General MusicOperaMusic Reference
ISBN13: 9781026003466
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 504
Weight: 1.93
Height: 1.06 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Standard Operas, Their Plots and Their Music is an authoritative and comprehensive guide to the world's most enduring operatic masterpieces. Written by the distinguished music critic George P. Upton, this work provides a detailed exploration of the dramatic narratives and musical structures that define the standard repertoire. From the sweeping romanticism of Italian and French compositions to the complex leitmotifs of German music dramas, Upton offers readers a clear and insightful look into the heart of each production.
The volume features meticulous synopses of legendary plots, character sketches, and expert commentary on key arias and orchestral themes. Covering the giants of the genre-including Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, and Rossini-the text serves as an essential companion for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the operatic stage. By bridging the gap between the libretto and the score, the work highlights the artistic synergy that makes opera a uniquely powerful form of expression.
Whether used as a reference for seasoned aficionados or as an introduction for newcomers, The Standard Operas, Their Plots and Their Music remains a vital resource for appreciating the historical and cultural significance of these timeless works. It stands as a profound tribute to the craft of musical storytelling and the legacy of the performing arts.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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