Full Description
The Thomas Fisher Library at the University of Toronto houses a major collection of opera and oratorio librettos associated with performances across Europe. In addition to containing the text of musical dramas, these books incorporate aspects of historical detail and literary history, as well as biographical details of performers. The Baroque Libretto catalogues the Baroque Italian operas and oratorios in the Fisher Library and offers an analysis of how the study of libretto can inform the understanding of opera. The volume also catalogues French and English items from the same period in appendices.
This comprehensive discussion draws on the literary, musical, dramatic, and theatrical aspects of each libretto while also considering its philosophical, historical, social, and economic contexts. The result is a work with appeal for those curious about the operatic genre and contemporary European culture.
Contents
List of Plates
Acknowledgements
Preface
Introduction
The Collection
The Opera Libretty
The Music
Dance in Italian Opera
The Oratorio
Italian Librettos, 1600-1728, in the Thomas Fisher Library
Bibliography
Indexes
Appendix
