This opera by American composer John Knowles Paine tells the story of Azara, a Spanish ambassador to the Paraguayan court in the 18th century, who falls in love with the queen's niece. The work is notable for its lush orchestration and complex vocal writing, and remains a key work in the American operatic repertoire. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as...