Chapters of Opera

Chapters of Opera by Henry Edward Krehbiel is a rich and detailed historical account of the evolution of opera in New York, tracing its fascinating development from its earliest performances to its full blossoming at the Metropolitan Opera House. With a scholar’s precision and a music lover’s passion, Krehbiel chronicles the rise and fall of key theaters, the emergence of great singers, and the shifting tastes between Italian, German, and French operatic traditions. The book serves not only as a chronicle of artistic milestones but also as a social history of the city’s cultural elite, impresarios, and musical institutions. Readers will follow the careers of famous figures like Mapleson, Maretzek, Melba, Calvé, and Wagner, and gain insight into the behind-the-scenes politics that shaped American opera. First published in the early 20th century and revised multiple times, this edition includes Appendices documenting key seasons at the Metropolitan and Manhattan Opera Houses, making it an invaluable reference for opera historians, cultural scholars, and performing arts professionals. With its chronological clarity and rich commentary, Chapters of Opera remains a foundational work in American music literature.