FA: The Opera Past and Present HB 1901

From the Preface:

For a History of Opera -- covering, as it does, over three centuries
in four countries -- to be brought within the compass of a column like
this, it must be either one of two things: something little better
than a time-table, as annotated list of names and dates, or else a
compendious sketch. The former plan might be excusably followed in a
school text-book; though some grave doubts of its advisability might
be entertained, even there. But, in a book that hopes to be read
otherwise than under compulsion, it would be a self-stultifying
impertinence. The other plan, of making the History a compendious
sketch, is the only one to the purpose.

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The Opera Past and Present HB 1901
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