Annals of the Metropolitan Opera; The Complete Chronicle of Performances and Artists; Chronology 1883-1985, and Tables 1883-1985 (Two Volume Set)

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Since its first appearance in 1947, the Metropolitan Opera Annals (compiled by William H. Seltsam) has been a major reference work in music collections. Each copiously illustrated volume chronicled each season's performances, recording casts and conductors and concluding with lengthy excerpts from important reviews. There were three supplements, but the work has been out of print for years, with a new edition long overdue. The present title is a complete reworking and re-searching of the earlier material with an enlargement of detail and documentation to include not only singers, but also dancers, directors, choreographers, and other personnel. Performances outside New York (though accessible from Quaintance Eaton's Opera Caravan , Da Capo, 1978) are incorporated here for the first time. The indexes require a separate volume; there are indexes of illustrations, performances, composers and librettists, production artists, performing artists, locations, broadcasts, and translations. Separate appendixes index chief administrators, chorus masters, ballet masters, and world and U.S. opera premieres. The newspaper summaries at the end of each chapter in the earlier editions have unfortunately not been retained and have been replaced by short introductions to each season. The present work should enjoy the same longevity as its invaluable predecessor.
- William Shank, CUNY Graduate Sch. Lib.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.