The debate has been going on for decades, but now there is an essay worth
reading on the subject.  Terry Teachout's article, in the current issue
of "Commentary," tries to define what "opera" is, what makes a work a
"musical," what the basic differences are, and where Sondheim fits into
that equation.

There is enough in the article to rile up both opera fans and Sondheim
devotees (being both, I got a double dose of upset), but it also has a
great deal of solid theory - well worth reading.

   See http://www.commentarymagazine.com/pteachout.html

Janos Gereben/SF
www.sfcv.org
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