Burton D. Fisher's comprehensive history of opera that traces each milestone and metamorphosis in the evolution of modern opera. All periods are analysed in Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Bel Canto, Opera Buffa, German Romanticism, Wagner and music drama, Verismo, post-Romanticism, Atonalism, and much more. Each of the 17 operas that represents a "milestone" in opera history is presented with Principal Characters in the Opera; Brief Story Synopsis; Story Narrative with Music Highlight Examples; and Burton D. Fisher's insightful and in depth Commentary and Analysis.
