The Opera Companion (Amadeus)

by George Martin (Author)

• New

  Paperback
  2008

  $23.73

  Back in print in a new edition, The Opera Companion has established itself over the years as a classic reference book for opera lovers, whether devoted or casual. Synopses of 47 of the most frequently performed operas (18 composers) are given with key words to clue the listener in to the action and musical descriptions designed for those who cannot read music. A catalog of major operas lists composer, librettist, and date and place of first performance. It explains the techniques of opera in chapters on the overture, melody, aria, and recitative, with a description of the human voice as both an artistic and mechanical instrument. The book also includes a short history of opera, told chiefly in terms of the audience and its behavior, and offers a glossary to be read for enjoyment as well as information.

• Used

  Paperback
  1994

  $3.28

  A guide to 47 operas from the 18th and 19th centuries, this text provides a synopsis for each opera with an introduction singling out the particular strengths and flaws of the piece, its antecedents, innovations, and controversial intepretations of it. The text does not assume the ability to read music. Instead, it emphasizes key words that can be heard and understood in performance. The aim of this is to clue the reader into the action. At the end of each act, these words are listed in the original language, in phonetic transliteration, and translation. Timings are given for numbers, scenes and Acts.;The early part of the book includes chapters on the overture, melody, aria and recitative, the human voice, the opera orchestra, tuning, the claque, castrati, ballet in opera, and various aspects of opera history.