Early Opera In America (1915)

By O.G. Sonneck

Book Overview

Early Opera in America is a historical account of the development of opera in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. Written by O.G. Sonneck and first published in 1915, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the early years of opera in America, including the first performances, the establishment of opera companies, and the emergence of American composers and performers.The book begins with a discussion of the earliest opera performances in America, which took place in the 1730s and 1740s. It then traces the growth of opera in the colonies and the early republic, highlighting the contributions of such figures as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams.Sonneck also provides detailed accounts of the first American operas, including William Henry Fry's Leonora, or the Triumph of Love, which premiered in Philadelphia in 1845, and George Frederick Bristow's Rip Van Winkle, which debuted in New York City in 1855.Throughout the book, Sonneck emphasizes the challenges faced by early American opera companies, including financial difficulties, a lack of trained performers, and the need to balance artistic excellence with commercial viability. He also discusses the role of opera in American society, including its relationship to politics, religion, and popular culture.Overall, Early Opera in America is an important historical resource for anyone interested in the development of opera in the United States. It provides a detailed and engaging account of the challenges and triumphs of early American opera, and sheds light on the cultural and social context in which it flourished.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1164094912
• ISBN13: 9781164094913
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: Kessinger Publishing
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"