The Italian Traditions & Puccini: Compositional Theory & Practice in Nineteenth-Century Opera

"A major contribution . . . not only to Puccini studies but also to the study of nineteenth-century Italian opera in general." —Nineteenth-Century Music Review

In this groundbreaking survey of the fundamentals, methods, and formulas that were taught at Italian music conservatories during the 19th Century, Nicholas Baragwanath explores the compositional significance of tradition in Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Verdi, Boito, and, most importantly, Puccini. Taking account of some 400 prima...