Ballad Opera

Cambridge History of English and American Literature Useful explanation of ballad opera and its use in English theatre history, with discussion on John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera as an exmaple of the form.

Dallas Baptist University Brief explanation of Ballad Opera.

Essentials of Music Brief definition of the term.

InfoPlease Brief definition for Ballad Opera.

OperaResource.com Brief definition in glossary.

PeoplePlay UK Historical images of John Gay and The Beggar’s Opera; a fine example of Ballad Opera.

Royal National Theatre Interesting archived article about John Gay, The Beggar’s Opera, his use of ballad and information about the Ballad Opera genre.

University of Arizona Lecture outline bullet pointing the key characteristics of a Ballad Opera.

University of Michigan Excellent article on the Ballad Opera genre and Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera.

Virginia Opera Useful definition of Ballad Opera.

Wikipedia Worthwhile definitions of ballad and Ballad Opera.