Background Information

In this section are articles on opera, operetta, musical theatre in general and other topics which provide a background for the better understanding of the material on specific shows.

MUSIC AND THEATRE Singing Theatre: A History Creating an Opera Operetta The American Musical The Orchestra and Conductor Unsung Heroes Operatic Voices Bel Canto Opera in Italy Commedia del Arte Victorian Theatre Dances of Central Europe Gilbert and Sullivan Bibliography LITERATURE AND ARTS Fairy Tales Chivalry and Chivalric Literature

HISTORY Austro-Hungarian Empire British Court System British Navy British Parliament British Peerage Corsairs The Inquisition The Opening of Japan Sixteenth Century Spain MISCELLANEOUS Buddhism and Hinduism Foretelling the Future Gypsies

For more on the specific material for teachers go to
Teachers' Resources

Revised December 2006
Please credit Lyric Opera San Diego when using these articles.