Opera. History of an institution

The book "Opera: The History of an Institution" by Michael Walter provides a comprehensive insight into the development and significance of opera as a cultural institution over a period of four hundred years. It highlights the various facets of opera, including the organization of stage performances, the roles of singers and the audience, as well as the legal frameworks that shape opera operations. The author examines both historical aspects, such as the Italian impresario system and the development of municipal theaters, as well as modern challenges facing opera today. With a wide range of topics, from the travel conditions of artists to ticket prices, this scholarly work offers a well-founded analysis of opera as an international phenomenon that endures despite societal upheavals.