ABSTRACT
In the following overview, we will first in troduce the distinguishing features of the highly com petitive opera industry and establish the context of key managerial and financial chal lenges during Gye's tenure. We then trace the artistic policies tha t underpinned the success of his company and the forces tha t helped to shape them . This discussion finally turns to examine the activities and criteria tha t guided Gye's recruitm ent of singers, the m ost im por tan t component of his success. Throughout, we draw from the diaries to docum ent the m ost notable artistic m ilestones of Gye's career, in cluding the introduction of grand opera to En gland, his close association w ith Meyerbeer, and his considerable influence on the careers of Adelina Patti and Emma Albani.
