Mitchell Cohen Books

A wide-ranging look at the interplay of opera and political ideas through the centuries The Politics of Opera takes readers on a fascinating journey into the entwined development of opera and politics, from the Renaissance through the turn of the nineteenth century. What political backdrops have shaped opera? How has opera conveyed the political ideas of its times? Delving into European history and thought and music by such greats as Monteverdi, Lully, Rameau, and Mozart, Mitchell Cohen reveals how politics—through story lines, symbols, harmonies, and musical motifs—has played an operatic role both robust and sotto voce. This is an engrossing book that will interest all who love opera and are intrigued by politics.

Set against the backdrop of New York in the 1970s and early 1980s, the narrative explores the cultural and historical impact of a record company during this vibrant era. It offers a unique remix of the music scene, highlighting how the company mirrored the social dynamics and artistic innovations of its time. Through this lens, readers gain insight into the intersection of music and culture, revealing the transformative power of sound in a pivotal period of American history.