Vincenzo Bellini: Norma

Contents

• 1. The composition of the opera;
• 2. Medea - Velleda - Norma: Romani's sources;
• 3. Synopsis and musical frame;
• 4. Music and poetry;
• 5. A glimpse of the genesis of the opera;
• 6. Some variant readings;
• 7. Contemporary reactions to Norma;
• 8. Critical fortunes since the unification of Italy;
• 9. Five prima donnas: contributions to a performance history.