Exploring the vibrant world of opera in Paris between 1800 and 1850, this book delves into the cultural, artistic, and social dynamics that shaped the genre during this period. It highlights key composers, influential works, and the evolution of performance styles, while also examining the impact of historical events on the operatic scene. Rich in detail, the narrative captures the excitement and innovation of Parisian opera, making it an essential read for enthusiasts and scholars alike.
A detailed evocation of Venice and the city's musical culture that inspired Vivaldi. At the time Venice was, uniquely, a city where all classes mingled in their love of music; aristocrats, gondoliers and the workers met to listen to all types of music. All that is known about Vivaldi's life is included, and all the recent discoveries that have been made about that life (as well as details from Vivaldi's contemporaries). The book captures the hedonistic atmosphere of Venice at the time, already an international tourist destination, and how that was reflected by the mysterious Vivaldi in his baroque music (which is still available in a range of recordings).
"Es gibt einen Gott - und es gibt einen Farinelli." Dieser Aufruf einer Dame von Stand wurde in den dreißiger Jahren des 18. Jahrhunderts zum geflügelten Wort der Londoner Adelsgesellschaft.§Patrick Barbier geht mit der Geschichte Farinellis - der von Weltruhmesglanz besonnten Laufbahn des womöglich größten aller Sängervirtuosen - einem der faszinierendsten und fragwürdigsten Kapitel der Operngeschichte nach: der Ära der Kastraten. Eine Epochenbiographie und zugleich die Biographie eines märchenhaft irrealen Künstlerlebens.