Musicology Annotation << Back Stylistic principles of Italian opera of the first half of the XVII century in the cultural and historical context Valentina Fomina The article is devoted to the problems connected with a systemic approach to historically informed vocal interpretation of early Italian opera. Stylistic principles that formed in music by the XVIIth century are considered to be one of the important components of early Baroque vocal interpretation model. The component refers to the zone of composer competence. Searching new ways of expression led to formation of the united stylistic system called «monodia con basso continuo» in the frame of which different musical styles and styles in opera were formed. Dramatic and chamber styles became the bases for developing the operatic style. The style had the pecularities in different opera schools of the first half of the XVIIth century. The stylistic principles defined an affect of a vocal piece. The affect influences the style of performance and performance technology that already referred to the zone of performer competence. Key words: style, opera, Baroque, vocal, interpretation. Contacts: E-mail: valfomina13@mail.ru Pp. 03-08.