This catalog accompanies a worldwide exhibition celebrating two centuries of the most important publisher of Italian opera. This engaging and richly illustrated volume includes numerous illustrations such as the designs for the world premieres of Tosca and La boheme, and the costumes from the debuts of Madama Butterfly and Falstaff. The book's essays explore the creative process behind opera's timeless masterpieces. Drawing examples from a selection of famous operas, the essays reveal the background of how a libretto is crafted, the composer's approach to setting it to music, the creation of settings, costumes and staging, and the evolution of opera productions over time. A prefatory note by Placido Domingo rounds off this gorgeous volume and makes it a true delight for opera buffs.