Opera Offstage: Passion and Politics Behind the Great Operas

Brener, Milton;Walker & Co

ISBN 10: 0802713130 / ISBN 13: 9780802713131

Published by Walker & Co, New York, New York, U.S.A., 1996

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 015135

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Opera Offstage: Passion and Politics Behind the Great Operas
• Publisher: Walker & Co, New York, New York, U.S.A.
• Publication Date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802713130
• ISBN 13: 9780802713131
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition
• Printing: 1st Printing
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Music

About this title

Synopsis

Opera's drama and passion is nothing compared to the off-stage romances, politics, and eccentricities which conspired to create the 27 "golden age" works which Brener's careful and thorough scholarship contextualizes and enlivens. The reader finds out that Carmen was inspired by Celeste Venard, a Parisian prostitute, writer, and altogether fascinating woman. In 1839 Wagner fled Latvia, and the ship's crew's shouts against the Norwegian cliffs appear later in the The Flying Dutchman . In much the same way that the movie Amadeus made Mozart sexy for a new generation, this study rehumanizes opera. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Reviews

YA. History, mythology, literature, politics, even the everyday experiences of the composer?all have a part in the composition of opera, as illustrated by this engaging book. Each of the 26 chapters deals with a separate opera, and opens with a plot summary often containing photographs and other illustrative material. Those new to the subject need not fear being overwhelmed, but there is enough detail to interest even the most seasoned music buffs. For example, a chapter on Richard Strauss's Salome traces the evolution of the libretto from its inception as a play written by Oscar Wilde in a French cafe. Eight pages of references and an index make the book all the more useful.?Pamela B. Rearden, Centreville Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.