Customer Reviews

Encyclopedia Of The Opera (Music Book Index)

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

 

 

This encyclopedia covers multiple aspects of opera, including much more than just their synopses. It is conveniently set up in traditional encyclopedic format, i.e., all entries are in alphabetical order.

There are 25,000 entries including the stories of over 500 operas and discussions of about 650 of the most memorable arias, duets, and choruses.

There are entries on world premiers of all listed operas and American premieres as well as performances on radio and TV. It also includes listings of childrens operas.

This is only the beginning. You can also look up your favorite character from almost any opera, over 900 of them, in fact. There are biographies of composers, librettists, conductors, performers, choreographers, and members of almost all of the associated crafts.

It is also a true encyclopedia when it comes to definitions of technical terms associated with opera, and, even defines various kinds of opera.

The only shortcoming that I can find has to do with age. Because of the publication date, it has no listings of operas written in the last third of the 20th century. Since the vast majority of the current operatic repertoire predates that period, this doesn't cause much of a problem.

In addition, I have found the listed biographies of famous opera stars of the past to be very useful. If, as I occasionally do, I come across an old recording featuring someone no longer performing, I am able to to find out a little about that person. This happened recently when I found an old recording by Rosa Ponzelle.

Many of you have probably seen Gian-Carlo Menotti's AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITOR on TV around Christmas time. You know the one. It's about the poor little cripppled boy who offers his crutches as a gift to the Christ Child and is miraculously cured. I'll bet that you didn't know that it was actually written for TV and premiered on NBC. This is all covered in the entry for the opera. I found this bit of information interesting as I'd never heard it in conjunction with any TV performance that I'd seen.

Open it at random to any page and, if you enjoy opera, you'll find something of interest. When getting ready to attend an opera, or even after seeing one and needing some clarification about a character, his or her motivation, or the plot itself, this encyclopedia will really prove its worth.

The synopses are shorter than in some other references and therefore more accessible to the opera goer who has limited time to prepare for his attendance at an opera.