Opera in Italy Today : A Guide

Opera in Italy Today offers a panorama of Italy's dynamic operatic scene. Descriptive text and evocative illustrations recreate not only Italy's historic major houses - including La Scala, the San Carlo, and La Fenice - but also her most important regional theaters. Ten of Italy's most famous opera festivals, including the Puccini, the Bellini, the Donizetti, and the Rossini, are discussed in detail as well, and more than twenty others are listed with address, season, and ticket information. A brief history of each opera house and venue, along with cartelloni of recent seasons, lets the opera lover know who has conducted and performed there in the past. For the armchair fan, discographies and bibliographies are provided. The book also includes a chapter on the La Scala Theatrical Museum, a chapter on children's opera, and a concluding chapter, "Opportunities for Young Singers," rich in information on Italian workshops, programs, and contests for aspiring young vocalists. Finally, lucky visitors to Italy will find the glossary of Italian words and phrases most useful during their travels.

Journalist Rossi (Musical America and Christian Science Monitor) takes the reader on an ambitious tour of opera houses in Italy, sharing many of his travel and musical experiences from the last decade. He examines the architecture, repertoire, management, and performing ensembles of the major houses, along with opera festivals and vocal competitions. Also included are many relevant citations to printed materials and to recordings that capture representative performances of various ensembles. As an entertaining, informative travel guide and musical history, this should have strong appeal to those with an interest in the wealth of today's Italian opera scene. The FAX and phone numbers included here may age quickly, but true opera buffs will appreciate knowing where to see the Turandot crown worn by Maria Callas at La Fenice in 1948 or where to go for an exciting summer festival performance in an outdoor setting. In this regard, Rossi goes beyond previous works on this subject, which generally present more limited information. A worthy selection for larger music collections or for those with an emphasis on opera.?James E. Ross, Seattle P.L.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.