Opera Offstage: Passion and Politics Behind the Great Operas [Hardcover]

Milton Brener (Author), Arthur G. Cosenza (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1996

Who inspired Carmen's fiery heroine? Was there a plot behind the hostile reception to the premiere of Madame Butterfly? What compromises did Richard Strauss make with the Nazi government ot get his Die Schweigsame Frau produced? Opera Offstage brings to light the intriguing tales behind twenty-seven of the greatest operas of all time. Milton Brener ignites new appreciation for these classics and their composers by revealing the histories and human circumstances surrounding their creation. You'll find the real-life stories behind many operas to be just as passionate, whimsical, and tragic as the operas themselves. A truly delightful book, Opera Offstage offers an entertaining way for new fans to get acquainted with opera, as well as a fresh look at some old favorites for lifelong aficionados.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Here's the scoop on how 27 operatic classics came to be, from the inspiration for the character of Carmen to tales of a few of Richard Wagner's vicissitudes. A good choice for those who like to know the story behind the story, well-written and presented.

From School Library Journal

YA. History, mythology, literature, politics, even the everyday experiences of the composer?all have a part in the composition of opera, as illustrated by this engaging book. Each of the 26 chapters deals with a separate opera, and opens with a plot summary often containing photographs and other illustrative material. Those new to the subject need not fear being overwhelmed, but there is enough detail to interest even the most seasoned music buffs. For example, a chapter on Richard Strauss's Salome traces the evolution of the libretto from its inception as a play written by Oscar Wilde in a French cafe. Eight pages of references and an index make the book all the more useful.?Pamela B. Rearden, Centreville Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 260 pages
• Publisher: Walker & Company; 1St Edition edition (February 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802713130
• ISBN-13: 978-0802713131
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #390,809 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Milton Brener is the author of nine published books, He has written on a variety of topics that have, along the way, captured his interest. His first was "The Garrison Case: A Study in the Abuse of Power," concerning a controversial investigation of the John F. Kennedy assassination. This was followed by his paen to private flying, "The Other Side of the Airport." Following his retirement after 33 years in the practice of law he earned a master's degree in anthropology, and has written six other books: Two are on various aspects of grand opera, "Opera Offstage" and "Richard Wagner and the Jews." Three books deal as a series with the rise of humanism: "Faces," "Vanishing Points," and "Evolution and Empathy." His latest book, involving his recently acquired keen interest in unidentified flying objects, is "Our Interplanetary Future: A UFO Primer for Skeptics." He is a frequent contributor of essays to ufodigest.com.
He invites you to visit his web site at www.miltonbrener.com