This book provides an in-depth analysis of the great opera classics. The author examines each opera's historical context, musical structure, and plot. He also provides insights into the personalities of the composers and performers. This text is an essential guide for anyone interested in opera and an important historical document in the study of music. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.