Are both the diatonic and the chromatic scales used today? Which is used more frequently? Do certain instruments use one over the other? (p. 28)

In opera, is the recitative technique used spontaneously by the singer or is it planned? (p.141)

Why was the castrato voice “prized a virtuoso instrument, more powerful and brilliant than a woman’s soprano?” (p. 142) Isn’t this unnatural and diminished the male role to some extent when portraying male-female relationships?

How does orchestral seating affect sound quality? (p.19)