Books by David R. B. (University of Edinburgh) Kimbell

David Kimbell traces the history of Italian opera from its origins in the humanism of the Renaissance to Puccini in the early twentieth century. He draws attention not only to musical issues but also to the social, literary, and philosophical ideas that have shaped modern Italian civilisation.

Norma is by common consent the finest of the ten operas composed during Vincenzo Bellini's short career. In this 1998 book, Professor Kimbell provides the biographical and cultural context of the opera, examines its artistic qualities and suggests something of the impression Norma has made since it was first produced.