The world of opera and opera production in Italy was as fascinating and complex during the early 18th century as it is today. Holmes (music, Univ. of California) provides a look at this period by focusing on the activities of impresario Marchese Juca Casimiro degli Albizzi (1664-1745). Having had access to the Albizzi archives, Holmes presents an in-depth study of the working of an impresario, showing Albizzi to possess the characteristics of a master: a love of opera and a mind for business. Prima donnas, conductors, composers, librettists, set designers, and dancers are all dealt with skillfully. Since one of the composers with whom Albizzi corresponded was Vivaldi, a suggested accompaniment to Holmes's book is H.C. Robbins Landon's Vivaldi ( LJ 7/93), which includes discussions of opera production as experienced by a composer. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.-- Kathleen Sparkman, Baylor Univ., Waco, Tex.
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