Employing current theories of ideology, propaganda and musical reception, Transatlantic Arias examines the development and impact of early opera in Spain and the Americas through close examination of the New World’s first three extant operas. What emerges is an amazing history of extraordinarily complex lyrical and musical works for their time and place, which are also critical for illuminating inimitable perspectives on the cohabitation and collaboration of indigenous groups and Europeans.

Chad M. Gasta is Associate Professor of Spanish and Chair of the Department of World Languages & Cultures at Iowa State University where he also serves as Director of International Studies and Co-Director of the Languages and Cultures for Professions (LCP) program. He has been honored with many all-university teaching awards and is the recipient of the Iowa State International Service Award. Gasta is the author of Imperial Stagings: Empire and Ideology in Transatlantic Theater of Early Modern Spain and the New World and a critical edition of Lazarillo de Tormes.