(Paperback)

(Hardback)

Alto: The Voice of Bel Canto examines the careers of the great alto singers, including the great castrati, from the dawn of opera in 1597 to the present day. He surveys the music of the composers who wrote for the alto voice and includes musical examples and exercises adapted from 24 Easy Vocalises in Progressive Order for Medium Voice.

(Hardback)

(Paperback)

Opera is often dismissed as outdated and excessive, and perceived to be characterised by excessive passions, sumptuous costumes, and ill-mannered divas. Revealing the diverse reasons behind opera's lasting appeal, this title introduces the agendas that have governed its composition, production and reception over the last four centuries.

(Hardback)

With contributions from Placido Domingo, Sir Antonio Pappano and Simone Young, a stellar cast of authors look beyond the many stereotypes associated with opera to examine how, like all the great narrative arts, it draws on essential human experiences to create a form that can be endlessly reinvented to reflect a constantly changing society.

(Paperback)

A fascinating guide to the controversial life of Austrian composer Richard Wagner.