The studies collected in this book deal with the interpretation of opera, based on structural analysis. In addition to the chapters devoted to individual operas by Mozart and Verdi there are studies on the semantics of orchestration in Mozart and the structural functions of ritual scenes, the musical figure of death, and the cabaletta in Verdi. Appendices include a discussion of semiotic devices in opera, and the complete correspondence between Verdi and Boito on the revision of Boccanegra (Italian text and English translation)
