Inventing the Opera House: Theater Architecture in Renaissance and Baroque Italy

Eugene J. Johnson's book explores the invention of the opera house, tracing its roots in Italy's sixteenth-century commedia dell'arte theaters and its development into the seventeenth-century opera. These structures were lavishly funded by rulers but could threaten social order, leading to their destruction. Johnson's book brings together evidence from various disciplines to reconstruct the history of the opera house in its early modern social context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 346 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Eugene J. Johnson delves into the captivating tale of the opera house, a structure of immense global significance. Italy, in the sixteenth century, pioneered the development of theater buildings, tailored to the comedic arts known as commedia dell'arte. These architectural marvels paved the way for the emergence of opera in the seventeenth century, captivating the hearts of rulers and audiences alike. These grandiose structures were often the most expensive artistic endeavors of a prince, reflecting the immense importance placed on the performing arts. However, the productions within these opera houses also carried the potential to challenge the existing social order, leading to instances where rulers deemed them a threat and ordered their destruction. Johnson skillfully reconstructs the history of the opera house by drawing upon a diverse range of disciplines, including music, art, theater, and politics. Written in an engaging and accessible style, he contextualizes the history of the opera house within the broader framework of early modern society. This comprehensive work offers a rich and insightful exploration of the opera house's evolution, its impact on artistic and social realms, and its enduring legacy in shaping the cultural landscape of the world.

Weight: 1030g
Dimension: 187 x 262 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108421744