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Opera

A Beginner's Guide

Alexandra Wilson

Opera is often dismissed as outdated and excessive, and perceived to be characterised by excessive passions, sumptuous costumes, and ill-mannered divas. In reality, however, operas address the most fundamental and universal of human concerns – love, death, jealousy, greed, and power. Revealing the diverse reasons behind opera’s lasting appeal, opera champion and expert Alexandra Wilson provides a lucid and engaging introduction to the agendas that have governed its composition, production and reception over the last four centuries, and explains the reasons behind its enduring appeal.

  • Publication date: June 1, 2010
  • ISBN: 9781851687336
  • RRP: £9.99
  • Pages: 176
  • Publication date: December 1, 2012
  • ISBN: 9781780741727
  • RRP: £4.99
  • Pages: 176

Alexandra Wilson

Alexandra Wilson is Senior Lecturer in Musicology at Oxford Brookes University. Passionate about bringing opera to a wider audience, she regularly presents broadcasts for BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4, and is a reviewer for Opera magazine.

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