Book excerpt: "The Story of Opera explores the centuries-old tradition of opera through the stories it tells -- from ancient myths and medieval quest legends to tales of predatory nobles and young lovers, the struggles of the poor, interractial relationships, and ordinary people caught up in great events. The stories reflect human issues that were important to audiences at the time and, through the emotional power of music, still resonate today. Offstage as well as on, each aspect of the operatic experience...has its own fascinating story, told here and illustrated in a stunning four-color design. Two hundred beautiful images show not only remarkable productions but also how an opera was understood when it was created." -- Back cover.