The Knowledge: Opera - Hardcover

Dennis Marks

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1849496226 ISBN 13: 9781849496223

Publisher: Quadrille Publishing Ltd, 2015

Synopsis

Dennis Marks showcases this most thrilling of art forms with his knowledge of opera's history, structure and singers.

A series of information-led pocket guides aimed at demystifying a wide and eclectic range of subjects. Called The Knowledge each book within the series is written by an expert in the field providing a lively, and informative, introduction to their respective topic.

Opera is all about intense emotion, magical music and overwhelming theatrical spectacle. In this exciting new guide, the many myths that surround opera are exploded, while its transformation from inaccessible high art to affordable, dramatically realistic and easy-to-encounter drama is revealed. The powerful principal players in the opera world - the maestros, superstar divas and directors - are examined in fascinating detail, and questions are asked of opera's future in a world where such extravagant entertainment can seem at odds with the rest of today's popular culture. Whether you are completely new to the genre or a regular opera-goer wanting to learn more, Opera makes for essential reading.

About this title

About the Author

Acclaimed director, producer and author Dennis Marks' work ranged from high-profile historical documentaries to award-winning films of contemporary operas. As a former Head of Music at BBC TV, Dennis was responsible for the corporation's televised music and dance - including the Proms - while from 1993 to 1997 he was the General Director of English National Opera, Europe's largest permanent opera company. Dennis has written and presented BBC Radio 3 celebrations on the life and work of Verdi, Walton, Berlioz and Janacek, and is currently writing a biography of the composer Sir Michael Tippett.

From the Back Cover

Dennis Marks showcases this most thrilling of art forms with his knowledge of opera's history, structure and singers.
A series of information-led pocket guides aimed at demystifying a wide and eclectic range of subjects. Called The Knowledge each book within the series is written by an expert in the field providing a lively, and informative, introduction to their respective topic.
Opera is all about intense emotion, magical music and overwhelming theatrical spectacle. In this exciting new guide, the many myths that surround opera are exploded, while its transformation from inaccessible high art to affordable, dramatically realistic and easy-to-encounter drama is revealed. The powerful principal players in the opera world - the maestros, superstar divas and directors - are examined in fascinating detail, and questions are asked of opera's future in a world where such extravagant entertainment can seem at odds with the rest of today's popular culture. Whether you are completely new to the genre or a regular opera-goer wanting to learn more, Opera makes for essential reading.

Edition details

• Publisher: Quadrille Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1849496226
• ISBN 13: 9781849496223
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160