Lectures delivered by Professor Robert Greenberg of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Richard Fawkes offers a history of opera, illustrated by over 100 musical examples by artists on the Naxos label and other singers. Includes commentary on each selection and story outlines.Įxcerpts from the works of Gluck, Berlioz, and Offenbach, who used Helen of Troy as a subject of their operas. There is also a comparison of Il Trovatore and Aida, two of his greatest works.įive selections from operas based on Greek myths. This composer, born into poverty, became one of the greatest opera composers of all time. Musical examples are taken from Tosca and La Bohème. Information about the composer’s selection of material for libretti. Works by Mascagni, Puccini, Massenet, and Thomas are discussed as examples of operas based on famous novels. Historical account of the opera, with selections by French composer Bizet. Speight Jenkins, general manager of the Seattle Opera, explores Wagner’s Ring Cycle using metaphors and concepts to promote its meaning and significance. Includes excerpts from Der Freischütz, Faust, and Tannhäuser.ĭale Harris relates the history of the premieres of four popular operas: The Barber of Seville, Madama Butterfly, Aida, and Lucia di Lammermoor.

Introduction to the musical significance of chivalry. Talking about Opera: Various Commentatorsĭiscusses Verdi’s Aida and Rossini’s Semiramide.Īrias sung by villains in operas including Don Giovanni, Faust, Rigoletto, La Gioconda, and Carmen.Alfred Glasser Commentaries on Lyric Opera.

Verdi opera set in the 5th century