The Assoluta Voice in Opera 1797-1847

<p> It is unusual for styles in opera to carry over from one era into another--and even more unusual to linger two generations. Yet this is what happened during the first half of the nineteenth century when the intricacies of the fleet <I>bel canto</I> style were combined with the Romantic era's heroic declamation and formidable orchestral emphasis resulting in the creation of the <I>assoluta</I> voice. This work traces that phenomenon and also covers the uniquely versatile divas who made their mark from the time of Cherubini to that of a young Verdi.</p>