Customer Reviews

When Divas Confess: Master Opera Singers in Their Leading Roles

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

 

 

This is a new concept in an approach to Opera, photographs and text designed to allow the reader to enter into the thoughts and meditations of Opera singers as they are waiting backstage to go on. The pictures show the characters (and what a selection of roles and artists!), in physical and emotional readiness as they are backstage in Ms. Lieberman's ready made studio brought to the Opera during actual performances from around the world..the text by Paul Griffiths, (Music critic for the New Yorker and now The New York Times) brings you into their world in an imaginative and knowledgeable fashion, creating an inner dialogue of the performer and character. The book becomes a unique treasure in the combination of the photographer and writer. What a find! thedre@wenet.net

The book by Ms. Lieberman brings opera divas right into your living room, as if transformed from the stage directly into your home. The pictures are amazingly vivid, and her ability to capture the moment with people is unparalleled. I think this is one of the best opera photo books ever printed! Brava!

Up close warts and all photos of opera characters in their makeup and costumes; fantastic for anyone interested in opera, makeup or theater. I have purchased several of these books to lend and give to opera friends; they love them. Photographer had no luck getting singers to pose for such up close photos until Sam Ramey agreed; then everyone wanted to be in the book.

I bought this book based on the two rave reviews. I couldn't believe it was the same book I purchased. I should have looked closer, as they were both written by "A Customer." There is absolutely no insight into the opera stars. The photographs are garish and too close-up and there is nothing worth reading in the very, very small amount of text. The photograph of Placido Domingo is beautiful, but how difficult is it to make him look good? Pavaratti is nowhere to be seen in this book, which was published in 1999. There are a couple of singers I recognize but no others. SO not worth buying.