History of Opera

[NLewis]

Hey everyone,

Looking to do a "History of Opera through Arias". Any suggestions?

[sbeckmesser]

Is this for performances or are you planning an anthology of scores? If you are planning the latter, you can do well with the scores at IMSLP from the beginnings of opera (Monteverdi, Peri, Caccini, Cavalli) up until you hit the mid 20th century when copyright rules will prevent you from using IMSLP for operas by the like of Shostakovich, Britten and Stravinsky, not to mention even more recent stuff by the likes of John Adams and others.

[NLewis]

This is for a narrated recital.

[sbeckmesser]

What is the vocal range (soprano, mezzo, alto, tenor, baritone, bass)? Sopranos would have the least trouble finding arias through the whole history of opera. Other vocal ranges may lack good material at either end of the span.

[NLewis]

I have multiple singers. Mostly sopranos, one mezzo. No tenors or basses, unfortunately.