Good Opera Guide

Forman, D.

ISBN 10: 0297815016 / ISBN 13: 9780297815013

Published by Orion Publishing Group, Limited, 1994

About this Item

Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.

Seller Inventory # 6248743-75

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Good Opera Guide
• Publisher: Orion Publishing Group, Limited
• Publication Date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0297815016
• ISBN 13: 9780297815013
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Good
• Weight: 3.505 pounds

About this title

Synopsis

Here is an excerpt of what The Good Opera Guide has to say about Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur: “The one about the star of stage and screen whose rival sends her a bouquet of poison gas violets. She sniffs it: snuffs it.”

The Good Opera Guide is not only for regular operagoers but also for people who are new to the world of opera, or indeed people who want to bluff their way through a performance! It is written with humor and is entertaining as well as informative. Where else would you find a “dagger count” for La Gioconda, and have Hansel and Gretel categorized as a “Gingerbread Opera”?

From Adriana Lecouvreur to Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, for each opera, Sir Denis details the plot and cast of characters, awarding stars to parts that are “worth looking out for,” “really good,” or, occasionally, “stunning.” He goes on to tell the history of each opera and its early reception. Finally, each work is graded from alpha to gamma, and Sir Denis has no qualms about voicing his opinion. The guide also presents brief biographies of the great composers, conductors, and singers. A glossary of musical terms is included, as well as “Operatica,” or the essential elements of opera, from the proper place and style of the audience’s applause (and boos) to the use of subtitles.

About the Author

Sir Denis Forman was born in 1917 and was for many years Charman and Chief Executive of Granada Television. He was also Deputy Chairman of the Royal Opera House for nine years.