Italian opera in Central Europe

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This second volume explores the theme of "italianness" in Italian opera from 1614 to 1780, focusing on its cultural significance across music, literature, and visual arts. It raises important questions about how non-Italian composers received and transformed Italian elements in opera, a Mediterranean art form that captivated and perplexed many during this period. Following its emergence in the late sixteenth century, Italian opera rapidly spread throughout Europe, making it an intriguing case study in cultural transfer. Unlike the nineteenth century, the geographical expansion of Italian opera was shaped by cultural, social, and religious ties rather than national borders. The studies presented cover a politically and culturally diverse region, including Austria, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and parts of Germany. The volume comprises fifteen papers divided into three parts. The first part examines the classical status and literary significance of Italian libretti, highlighting their appreciation beyond the music itself. The second part investigates the dissemination of Italian opera through local centers and its reflection of cultural diversity. The final section analyzes the image and transformation of italianità, illustrating how cultural transfer processes made it a defining feature of opera across Europe.