The English Business with the Nightingale

During the 19th Century Londons Italian opera houses were part of one of the most prominent international opera markets. The existence of two separate Italian opera houses Her Majestys Theatre and Royal Italian Opera House Covent Garden in the second half of the century and the regular engagement of Europes most renowned star singers helped in establishing this status. Especially singers were fond of a London engagement due to the exorbitant salaries paid to them. It is also for this reason many singers used their engagements in London to lucratively increase their income. This thesis therefore aims to present the different aspects of the singers system at Londons Italian opera houses between 1806 to 1867. Starting with an overview about Londons opera business in general and a characterization of Londons opera audience, the singers come into focus: Besides a description of the singer system itself, the difficult role of English born singers on the Italian stage will be examined. A special interest lies also in the composition of contracts between Londons opera managers and leading singers of that time. In addition to this it was also common to adapt the form of Italian operas regarding to the demands of the opera house, where they were performed. Here the performing singers had a huge influence on the form of an opera through the interpolation of arias of other operas. These specific aspects will also be treated on the basis of the London singers system.