Aida: Black Dog Opera Library (Book & Audio CD) [Hardcover]

Giuseppe Verdi (Composer)

Book Description

Series: Black Dog Opera Library | Publication Date: October 1, 2005

The Black Dog Opera Library is one of the most popular, informative, and budget-friendly ways to enjoy all the great operas. Each book in the series includes a history of the opera, a synopsis of the story, a complete libretto in its original language as well as in English, and dozens of photographs and drawings depicting great scenes, singers, performances, and more. Each book also includes an excellent Angel/EMI recording of the entire opera on two CDs, as well as commentary from experts in the field who guide you through the music as you listen. All of this for less than twenty dollars!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi; October 9 or 10, 1813 – January 27, 1901) was an Italian Romantic composer, mainly of opera. He was one of the most influential composers in the 19th century. His works are frequently performed in opera houses throughout the world and, transcending the boundaries of the genre, some of his themes have long since taken root in popular culture - such as "La donna è mobile" from Rigoletto, "Va, pensiero" (The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves) from Nabucco, and "Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (The Drinking Song) from La traviata. Although his work was sometimes criticized for using a generally diatonic rather than a chromatic musical idiom and having a tendency toward melodrama, Verdi’s masterworks dominate the standard repertoire a century and a half after their composition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579125069
• ISBN-13: 978-1579125066
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #152,380 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Verdi
  • #22 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Historical Period > Late Romantic

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aida - Black Dog Library - Opera by Giuseppe Verdi, July 3, 2006

By 

A. Licata "Tony Licata, reader, listener, bik... (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Aida: Black Dog Opera Library (Book & Audio CD) (Hardcover)

Wow. This Black Dog Library production of Aida is superb. The 144 page hard cover book includes two CDs with stunning performances by Biigit Nilsson (Aida) and Franco Corelli (Radames). Zubin Mehta conducted the orchestra.

Written by David Foil who clearly knows his subject, the book illuminates a subject that is dark and confusing to many individuals. In this publication, Foil explains the circumstances under which Giuseppe Verdi accepted the commission to write Aida. He follows through with clear details on the scope of the production and its place in the pantheon of grand opera, comparing and contrasting with Wagner and Meyerbeer.

This package contains the complete opera on two CDs; the complete libretto in both Italian and English and critical historical commentary. Last, but not least, there are dozens of photographs that bring the words and music to life.