The Opera-Lover's Companion - Hardcover

Osborne, Charles

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300104405 ISBN 13: 9780300104400

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2004

Synopsis

This is a work on 175 operas by 63 different composers. The selected operas are those most frequently encountered in opera houses or on recordings. Each entry will set the opera within the context of its composer's career, outline the plot, discuss the music and give relevant background information on the provenance of the libretto, for example. Details of the first performance, and subsequent performance history will be given, as well as guidance on the relative quality of available recordings. The Yale Companion to Opera targets the regular opera-goer and the committed newcomer, rather than the academic specialist or the oneoff attender. It is not an encyclopaedia, covering every known opera, but only those with a realistic chance of public performance. It is equally concerned with the music, the plot, the libretto and the staging, and seeks to enhance the appreciation of the intelligent opera-goer.

About this title

Review:

'....an erudite, instructive and unpretentious guide' -- The Sunday Telegraph, September 26 2004

'...an erudite, instructive and unpretentious guide' -- The Sunday Telegraph

'He is the informed, enthusiastic companion whose comments will help all opera goers' -- Classical Music Magazine

...this is just the right level for anyone who likes listening to
opera and would like to know a bit more or, indeed, a good place for
newcomers to opera to start. -- The Good Book Guide, May 2007

About the Author:

Charles Osborne is a very well-known and experienced writer, critic and opera specialist, formerly London music critic of the New York Times, and chief drama critic of the London Daily Telegraph, from 1986-1991. He has published widely on opera.

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0300104405
• ISBN 13: 9780300104400
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 640