Customer Reviews

Divas and Scholars: Performing Italian Opera

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Divas & Scholars" is a masterpiece from every possible perspective, and I am astonished that there are only 4 customer reviews ahead of mine. It is written in the liveliest, most personal style. Every chapter, every paragraph, every sentence is filled with fascinating information and insights. (The only book on music that I have ever read that is its equal is Charles Rosen's universally acclaimed "Classical Style," which was published 35 years ago. Rosen himself gave "Divas & Scholars" a rave review in the New York Review of Books (10/05/06).) No one before Gossett has ever explained so clearly the conditions under which masterpieces by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi were not merely created but nearly tossed off, in almost the manner one associates with live television in the 50's. No one else has ever explained so clearly what a first performance looked like and sounded like, the lighting, the gestures, the sound in a particular theater or particular instruments, and the particular text and ornamentation that a singer chose. No one else has ever shown in such specific detail how performance traditions (and music) were transmitted and how they changed over time and place. "Divas & Scholars" can be read by everyone--the opera lover, the record listener, the stage designer, professional opera singers, orchestra musicians and conductors, and directors. It could be read by everyone who has ever loved Norma, Lucia, and all the other great figures of bel canto opera. It could be read by anyone with an interest in the social history of Europe in the first half of the nineteenth century. A summary of the delights of this book would be as long as the book itself. Five stars are not enough. It will be a resource and a pleasure forever.

I found this book a true revelation. No review can express just how much valuable information there is in this book. Certainly the earlier reviewer is correct that this is one of the most important books ever written on early nineteenth-century Italian opera. The focus is on Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, and early Verdi.

Some chapters can be rough going, with a good bit of technical detail. But even the amateur can find much to learn here.

If you're an informed opera-nut, don't miss this one.

Probably, this is one of the most important books ever published on the Italian melodrama of the 19th century and its relations to compositional process, composers, editors, conductors, singers and producers. As usual, the approach by Prof. Gossett is comprenhsive, elegant and acurate. For those involved in research on Italian Opera it is a must! The negative point, if relevant, is the prolixity of the text in some sections what, to some extend, is usual in the area of musicological research. Musicologists have some difficulty to go directely to the point,and Gossett is a great musciologist.

I have enjoyed Philip Gossett's lectures for many years at the U of C Humanities Open Houses. This book is a wonderful compilation of his work. I truly enjoyed every chapter.

This beautifully presented tome is fascinating. There may only a few die hard, full time dismissers of Italian Opera left, but they will find it harder to be so snooty after reading any of the chapters. It is all about context. Gosset provides you with detailed examples of the conditions under which the works were composed and performed and the pressures facing all involved. It is fascinating and made me feel like a musical sloth in my own perfomance habits.

There are very elegantly printed musical examples as well as the odd juicy snide comment about singers whose attitude to performing these works is less than thorough. Sometimes the detail is daunting and perhaps a little dry but you could pick and choose your chapters if this is worrying you.

How reassuring that books like this are still being written when the Music section of Borders is filled with biographies of such musical heavyweights as Sting and Bono.

We adore this book! Mr. Gossett, a professor in our home town of Chicago, is brilliant. The scholarship is first rate, the writing is user-friendly without talking down to you. The subject is incredibly well covered - it's interesting, enlightening, fascinating and really worth it! Highly recommended!

Paul Vermel and Carolyn Paulin (musicians both)

This book is as pleasurable to dip into as a box of chocolates and entertainingly enlightening about all opera, not just 19th century Italian opera. If you are interested enough to read these reviews on Amazon ,you are sure to enjoy Divas and Scholars.

Who would have believed that such a scholarly book could be so interesting, so readable, so enjoyable? Who would have thought that a truly erudite scholar could have so much personality? This marvelous tome is not only a torrent of fascinating information, it is a real page ripper. GET IT!!
Howard Bushnell, author of Maria Malibran, A biography of the Singer.

This is a book every opera conductor should read. A lot of information and beautifully written by one of the greatest opera scholars.

Very good book. I read it once a few years ago. It has the material common performers would never expect. And the price is friendly. It's a really good deal! Highly recommended.