Customer Reviews

Belgian Opera Houses and Singers

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This a truly indispensable book by author R.T. Soper for every opera buff, musicologist or researcher. It offers a concise and accurate historical background of Belgium, followed by a detailed review of the Belgian opera houses and companies (Flemish and Walloon). Part III is devoted to the conservatories in the main Belgian cities, while section IV deals with the core of the book, i.e. the profiles of Belgian singers including biographical notes, with years/dates of birth/death - when known, career highlights including the roles performed, etc. Section V presents a brief highlight of non-Belgian singers and the book also includes a very comprehensive chapter devoted to composers of opera and operetta. At the end, the reader can find a top-notch glossary, followed by a list of 'recordings', or rather a listing of Belgian artists whose voices have been recorded. Lastly, for quick reference, ... the indispensable and easy-to-use index! Mr Soper has accomplished a detective's work and he must be complimented on such a task which he has carried out so successfully in a pleasant style and in-depth knowledge of the world of opera and singing. Thank you, Mr Soper! One only drawback: the very poor quality of the paper. It's disconcertingly thin and fragile. Happy reading!