DEAR ROGUE: A Biography of the American Baritone Lawrence Tibbett (Opera Biography Series, No. 6) [Hardcover]

Hertzel Weinstat (Author), Bert Wechsler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1996

The first American male singer to reach the top ranks of opera without European study, Lawrence Tibbett was a star of the Metropolitan Opera for almost 20 years.(b)Published at $34.95(br)Our last copies available at $17.49(/b)(br)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 283 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574670085
• ISBN-13: 978-1574670080
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,766,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful biography of a great singer, June 2, 2006

By 

Voice Lover (Durham, NC) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: DEAR ROGUE: A Biography of the American Baritone Lawrence Tibbett (Opera Biography Series, No. 6) (Hardcover)

I've read a considerable number of biographies of great opera singers and this has to rank as one of the best. It is told in a forthright manner and actually makes it possible to visualize the singer and his personality. Tibbett was a very great singer and a great man as well during the best periods of his life (not much of a father though). The authors describe his abilities extremely well and cover his life very thoroughly from his childhood and early successes to his eventual downfall. Tibbett's later vocal problems and then social and physical decline made the last part of the book somewhat depressing, but the authors seemed to be trying to cover these parts honestly. I would very highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about this singer.

This book does lack a discography unfortunately, but that is to be found in a companion volume by the same publisher.

I would also strongly suggest that any reader listen to a number of Tibbett's recordings to understand how truly great a singer and performer he was.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lawrence Tibbett biography, November 12, 2008

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Pony "Dark Horse Music" (Paris) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DEAR ROGUE: A Biography of the American Baritone Lawrence Tibbett (Opera Biography Series, No. 6) (Hardcover)

This is an outstanding look at the life of the opera super star Lawrence Tibbett. I could not put it down. Weinstadt & Wechsler do wonderful justice to this singer and complicated man who had a rags to riches to disgrace life. At the same time time paint a colorful picture of the world he grew up in; a father killed by outlaws in the old west, raised by his mother, tumultuous marriages and love affairs with movie stars all at the height of one of the heaviest of performing schedules. His fame could be compared to Caruso's and one that no baritone has reached since. This lifestyle, fame and alcoholism destroyed him and his popularity to the point where he was virtually forgotten. Great read for opera fans, music fans and movie buffs.

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional, May 14, 2011

By 

D. Culp "diarci" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: DEAR ROGUE: A Biography of the American Baritone Lawrence Tibbett (Opera Biography Series, No. 6) (Hardcover)

Lawrence Tibbett was arguably one of the finest (I try to avoid the word "greatest" but it is also applicable) baritones ever. In fact, to my mind only Titta Ruffo can approach him vocally and at his best his interpretations were a match for any singer. Strangely, there are only two biographys of Tibbett available and this is by far the best (the Andrew Farkas one is more a short appreciation combined with a photo book.)

Tibbett had an incredible voice, but he was never content to use that voice simply for beautiful sounds. He always considered himslf an actor first and, together with his athletic body and considerable good looks, this made him a great star, both in opera and on film. For a touch of his personality, go to YouTube and search for "Tibbett." His sex appeal is obvious in the Carmen "Toreador" song. His seductive charm is on display in "Cuban Love Song" and his greatness in the (audio only) duet with Rosa Ponselle in "La Traviata."

Tibbet's many character failings (a distant father, an alcoholic, a serial adulterer) are dealt with in this book and not dismissed, but the emphasis is on his art - how and why he mattered and how he became what he was. This is one of the best operatic biographies available, altho admittedly there aren't a whole lot of really good ones for comparison.