Opera: The Autobiography of the Western World (Illustrated Edition) : From theocratic absolutism to liberal democracy, in four centuries of music drama

Simon Banks

ISBN 10: 1803131950 / ISBN 13: 9781803131955

Published by Troubador Publishing Jul 2022, 2022

About this Item

Neuware - Since the first performance of the first opera in 1600, operas have been telling stories from myth and history. Brought to life with over 250 colour illustrations, this book charts a comprehensive chronology of myth and history, from the creation to the present, as told in opera.

Seller Inventory # 9781803131955

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Opera: The Autobiography of the Western World (Illustrated Edition) : From theocratic absolutism to liberal democracy, in four centuries of music drama
• Publisher: Troubador Publishing Jul 2022
• Publication Date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1803131950
• ISBN 13: 9781803131955
• Binding: Buch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 244W x 164H x 32D millimeters 244 millimeters width by 164 millimeters height by 32 millimeters depth
• Weight: 892 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Since the first performance of the first opera in 1600, operas have been telling stories from myth and history. This book - beginning with the Creation and ending in the present day - is a chronology of myth and history as told in opera. Over 260 paintings and photographs, most in colour, accompany the narrative.

Why were particular myths and historical events important at particular times? Why were the same myths and historical events told in radically different ways? In seeking answers to these questions, this book charts how the modern West migrated from autocracy towards liberal democracy, from theocratic absolutism towards tolerant pluralism, from sexism towards gender equality. It traces growing scepticism about religiously inspired warfare and colonial empire building.

Unlike anything previously published, this is a book for lovers of history and the arts, and for anyone interested in how the western world of today came into being. By exploring a bewitchingly beautiful art form, it chronicles a sequence of extraordinary transformations: the political, religious and social revolutions that created the modern West.

About the Author

Simon Banks taught art history at the University of St Andrews and had a career in qualifications management with Cambridge Assessment. Since 2019 his publications include articles in Opera magazine and programme notes for Wexford Festival Opera.