Aspects of Verdi [Paperback]

George Martin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2004

This collection of original essays ranges widely among the composer's interests and achievements: from his religious views to his skill as a cook, from the politics that galvanized him to the poetry that inspired him, from his earliest compositions to his final masterwork, Falstaff, completed at the age of 80. Drawing on original research and scholarship, this book also contains two of Verdi's early works, never before published in this form; a translated collection of his letters, also heretofore unpublished; the text of the Requiem with indications of Verdi's emphases; and a directory of his operas with sources, casts, theatres, and premiere dates.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Rejoicing in Verdi's vitality, patriotism, imagination and insistence on privacy, but above all in his musical genius, a noted American musicologist mines Verdi's letters for new information and insights. These essays, seven on the composer's political, religious, literary and culinary interests, and five on his compositional concerns, vary in length, depth and intensity. They range from Verdi's connections with Manzoni and Shakespeare, the delicacy of his orchestration and the significance of Franz Werfel's Verdi: A Novel of the Opera in advancing a Verdi revival to an essay on the composer's favorite foods and restaurants. Martin also publishes for the first time several Verdi letters as well as two short compositions that he believes were written by him. A feast for specialists and advanced students. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Martin, a distinguished Verdi scholar, has here adapted 12 essays taken from his publications or lectures. The chapters are arranged by subject, covering Verdi's political, religious, literary, culinary, and musical interests. As such, they can be read individually; or the book can be read cover to cover, a method this reviewer recommends as being both interesting and rewarding. Verdi emerges as not only a great composer but also a genuine Renaissance man: humanitarian; lover of great books, good food, and good wine; and a sympathetic, kind human being. Heartily recommended. William Shank, CUNY Graduate Sch. Lib.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Limelight Editions (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879101725
• ISBN-13: 978-0879101725
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,030,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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