Table of Contents

Essay on the euphony, or sweetness of languages, and their fitness for music; 1. Of the invention of recitative, and establishment of the musical drama, or opera, in Italy; 2. Rise and progress of the sacred musical drama, or oratorio; 3. Of the opera buffa, or comic-opera, and intermezzi, or musical interludes, during the seventeenth century; 4. Of cantatas, or narrative chamber music; 5. Attempts at dramatic music in England, previous to the establishment of the Italian opera there; 6. Origin of the Italian opera in England, and its progress there during the present century; 7. Progress of the musical drama at Venice, during the present century; 8. Progress of the musical drama at Naples, and account of the eminent composers and school of counterpoint in that city; 9. Opera composers employed at Rome, and tracts published in Italy on the theory and practice of music, during the present century; 10. Of the progress of music in Germany, during the present century; 11. Of the music of France, during the present century; 12. General state of music in England at our national theatres, public gardens, and concerts, during the present century; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

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Burney's most famous work, based on research during two European tours, providing valuable insight into musical tastes of the time.