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The History of Opera

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The History of Opera

By: Richard Fawkes
Narrated by: Robert Powell
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About this listen

Opera, said Moliére, is the most expensive noise known to man. From its beginnings in the 16th Century, through to today when there are as many musical styles as there are composers, opera has fascinated, infuriated, delighted, been censored, been banned, excited riots, even won a nation its freedom. Here is the colorful story of sometimes temperamental composers and even more temperamental singers working in an art form which has produced some of man's noblest artistic creations. This absorbing history is illustrated by over 100 musical examples by Naxos artists as well as some of the greatest singers of the 20th century including Enrico Caruso and Fyodor Chaliapin.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©1999 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)1999 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. History & Criticism Music Opera Celebrity

Critic Reviews

  • Indie Award Winner
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Robert Powell gives an animated narration to what I was expecting to be a very heavy topic. His tone is light and the text is easy enough to follow and understand. I thought this would be a challenge to get through but I ended up finding it easygoing.

Informative and entertaining

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