Opera Offstage: Passion and Politics Behind the Great Operas

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.

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.