Roll over image to zoom in
The Opera Lover’s Companion
£17.10
Every opera lover enjoys a performance more when accompanied by a knowledgeable friend. In this indispensable guide, well-known opera critic Charles Osborne provides exactly that. Osborne fills in the details on 175 of the world’s most frequently performed operas, including facts about the composer and the music, a plot outline, accounts of famous performers, and much more. “This book is exactly what the title claims: an opera lover’s companion. Reading it is like going to the opera with a knowledgeable friend who tells you enough to make you want to see the piece but not so much you’re drowned in superfluous detail.”-Richard Fawkes, Opera Now “What this invaluable book contains is the ideal rundown on 175 operas from Auber’s Fra Diavolo to Zimmerman’s Die Soldaten, in each case putting the work in context within the composer’s development, with a list of characters, a short synopsis and pointers towards the most imortant arias, duets and ensembles, all in a personal congenial tone, like unto an operatically wise and loving uncle.”-Denby Richards, Musical Opinion “An erudite, instructive and unpretentious guide.”-Michael Kennedy, The Sunday Telegraph “It’s hard to imagine any other book on the subject more informative and helpful to the average enthusiast. . . . This book is one you’ll cherish.”-Books in Canada
Read more
Additional information
| Publisher | Yale University Press (28 April 2007) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 640 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0300123736 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0300123739 |
| Dimensions | 15.24 x 3.18 x 23.5 cm |
by Andy
Having just been bitten by the opera bug – after attending The Barber of Seville in Venice – I wanted a handy volume so that
I can explore the basic story-line in advance of the performance. This lovely book fits the bill exactly – it is even handy to have as a coffee table book and already many conversations have centred around the book and the stories it tells.
by dr.snoddy
A great and comprehensive reference. Will recommend to all opera lovers.
by Exit
Had a brief look st the book and it looks perfect. I am looking forward to learning more about operas. It’s quite a thick book nicely presented. It seems to be written in a way that’s easily understood and not confusing. Im very happy! I should add that although it says prime delivery offering delivery next day, that’s rubbish. It wasn’t even dispatched next day. I found that annoying having waited in.
by MR PETER J CULLEN
A well written and entertaining and informative guide to 190 operas. My only criticism is the slightly eccentric choice of some operas.
by dociain
A very useful text with plenty of helpful details about some of the infrequently staged operas.The only downside is the list of recommended recordings.I would regard them as now being “legacy!” rather than current.Yes I admire Maria Callas as singer,not an actor,certainly better in both departments than Joan Sutherland.However the world has moved on from vinyl(love it or loathe it).I am in both camps but these days prefer really top class Blu-Ray opera performances projected and output through a good sound system.I would suggest those not impressed, with digital productions experience the DGG recordings of i Puritani and Luci di Lammermoor from the New York Met with Anna Netrebko as lead soprano,to mention but two brilliant performances.
by Exit
Bought this for my opera mad uncle for Christmas, and he is still thanking me for it, for helping him unearth some more superb operas. I have not read it so can’t give 5 stars, but from my uncle’s reaction he is very taken with it.
by Happily Retired
my wife received this book from me last xmas – she is delighted with it – just what she wanted – a succinct description of all our favourite operas – no flannel – an excellent companion indeed !
by Olga
If you love Opera, this guide is a great reference book.