Mozart's Operas

This reissue of Edward J.Dent's study of the operas of Mozart was originally published in 1913, when most of Mozart's operas were still almost completely unknown in Britain. The book was completely revised in 1947, with much new material incorporated. Edward J.Dent himself had played an important part in the revival of interest in Mozart's operas both in England and on the Continent, and his translations of the librettos did much to popularize them for English audiences. For each of the major operas, Dent examines the history of the work's composition, explores the background to the librettos and provides an analysis of the plot and music. He also discusses the work's subsequent reception. In addition, his study of the operas is linked with much biographical detail so that light is shed not only on the composer and contemporary opera, but on the whole 18th-century world of music in which Mozart lived.