$40

Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi were both born in 1813, at a time when Europe was convulsed by the Napoleonic wars and when the nation states of Germany and Italy did not yet exist. Each composer became a master of musical-dramatic forms and transformed the way music was composed for the theatre. Their influence extended well beyond the stage. Peter Bassett's study of these two great figures of the 19th century is richly illustrated in full colour with artworks drawn from opera houses, museums and private collections. It features insightful commentaries and magnificent locations associated with the composers and their works. 232 pages in large format and high quality presentation.