Opera Agents in 20th Century (1). Opera business and singers’ careers

Abstract

The key point in promoting singers’ careers in the 20^th century was the Agent (known also as impresario, the art manager, the promoter). The business of opera is quite old, starting in the mid-17^th century together with the newborn genre of lyric show, but in the 20^th century, it has developed in more advanced forms, as a real institution. The “Opera Agents in 20^th Century” is built in 2 parts. This first article presents the impresario throughout history, focusing on the development and the notable transformations of the opera business in the 20^th century. The second part will consist of a related article, focusing on the role of the agent in developing and promoting the singers’ careers, different models of business contracts, agents’ fees (Compensation), and the modern agencies.