The Last Troubadours

First published in 1991. Deirdre O'Grady's study of the Italian operatic librettist identifies opera as a mirror of literary climates, popular taste and political aspirations. This study traces the history of the Italian libretto from its courtly origin through to the 19th-century struggle for national unity.

Deirdre O'Grady

List of Illustrations; Introduction; Acknowledgements; Part One: Baroque, Arcadian and Enlightenment Influences; 1. Aristocratic Beginnings in Florence, Mantua and Rome 2. Popular Success and Maturity in Venice: Busenello, Badoaro and Cicognini 3. Innovation and Reform: Zeno, Metastasio and Calzabigi 4. Of Servants and Masters: Federico, Goldoni and Da Ponte; Part Two: The Expression of Individualism; 5. A Cry for Freedom: High Priests and Patriots 6. Of Reason and Delirium 7. Jester, Troubadour and Courtesan 8. The Devil's Advocate: Evil in the Works of Arrigo Boito; Notes; Select Bibliography; Index