Opera as we know it today is a bold combination of music, drama, art and design, yet four hundred years ago, the style began in Florence with a desire to resurrect the simplicity and focus of Greek drama.
How did those changes occur? How could a group of people in 1600 get the idea for something that would spread across continents and develop continuously throughout the centuries into something that would inspire prodigies and ordinary folk alike, crossing the boundaries of class, race and culture to become the phenomenon that is known simply as "Opera".
'Teach Yourself Opera' opens the door allowing everyone to step through and follow the fascinating path leading from 1600 to the present day. Where else would patricide, matricide, infanticide, arson, murder, rape and pillage be considered a refinement of art? Be prepared for anything, but not to be bored.
