The Magic Of Opera by J. Merrill Knapp - 9780306802515

The Magic Of OperaAuthor(s): J. Merrill Knapp\nFormat: Paperback\nPublisher: Hachette Books, United States\nImprint: Da Capo Press Inc\nISBN-13: 9780306802515, 978-0306802515\nSynopsis\nAmong the many introductions to opera, this is perhaps the best. J. Merrill Knapp, Professor Emeritus at Princeton University, divides his subject into two parts: In the first, he discusses the structure, production, theatrical conventions, and esthetics of opera in the second, he features biographies of the major composers and cogent analyses of exemplary qualities in their works. \""Opera should have a wide appeal,\"" says Knapp in his Preface. \""In the past too many sensible people have associated it with diamond tiaras, exclusive theatre boxes, opening night social snobbery, and haughty prima donnas. For more understanding and knowledge are needed to get rid of these past impressions and to prove that opera is both within the comprehension of the ordinary person and worthy of high aspiration and ser.