Size: 6.5 x 1.2 x 10 inches; Dust jacket condition: Fine. Appears as new and

Size: 6.5 x 1.2 x 10 inches; Dust jacket condition: Fine. Appears as new and unread. Was there opera-and just what was it like-in New York City before the advent of the Metropolitan Opera Company? In exploring these questions, Karen Ahlquist describes the social, cultural, economic, and esthetic factors that led to the assimilation of Italian opera-a complex, expensive genre of elitist reputation-into New York's business oriented community, with its English cultural heritage and sacred republican traditions. In her lively description of opera as few today can imagine it, Ahlquist considers Jacksonian-era efforts to create a polite social setting, the influence of a socially based clash between "respectability" and broad public access, and the role of music in shaping, not just reflecting, social and cultural life. About the Author: Karen Ahlquist is an assistant professor of music at George Washington University. 272 pages. Opera--New York (State)--New York, Music--19th century--History and criticism, Music--Social aspects.