Aspects of Verdi

In addition to essays on Verdi's musical influence, the author also assesses Verdi's views on politics, religion, literature, and on the culinary

Rejoicing in Verdi's vitality, patriotism, imagination and insistence on privacy, but above all in his musical genius, a noted American musicologist mines Verdi's letters for new information and insights. These essays, seven on the composer's political, religious, literary and culinary interests, and five on his compositional concerns, vary in length, depth and intensity. They range from Verdi's connections with Manzoni and Shakespeare, the delicacy of his orchestration and the significance of Franz Werfel's Verdi: A Novel of the Opera in advancing a Verdi revival to an essay on the composer's favorite foods and restaurants. Martin also publishes for the first time several Verdi letters as well as two short compositions that he believes were written by him. A feast for specialists and advanced students. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Martin, a distinguished Verdi scholar, has here adapted 12 essays taken from his publications or lectures. The chapters are arranged by subject, covering Verdi's political, religious, literary, culinary, and musical interests. As such, they can be read individually; or the book can be read cover to cover, a method this reviewer recommends as being both interesting and rewarding. Verdi emerges as not only a great composer but also a genuine Renaissance man: humanitarian; lover of great books, good food, and good wine; and a sympathetic, kind human being. Heartily recommended. William Shank, CUNY Graduate Sch. Lib.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.