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

Abstract

The key point in promoting singers’ careers in the 20th century was the Agent (known also as impresario, the art manager, the promoter). The business of opera is quite old, starting in the mid-17th century together with the newborn genre of lyric show, but in the 20th century, it has developed in more advanced forms, as a real institution. The “Opera Agents in 20th 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 20th 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.