Review (PDF) The Complete Operas Of Verdi (Da Capo Paperback)
In this volume, every Verdi opera is explored from four points of view: Verdi's life at the time each was written; the story, and the way it links with the music; the libretto and librettist, and Verdi's relations with his publishers; and the music itself, analyzed with examples from the score. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Series: Da Capo Paperback
Paperback: 486 pages
Publisher: Da Capo Press (August 22, 1977)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0306800721
ISBN-13: 978-0306800726
Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.1 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #458,582 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #16 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Verdi #142 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Biographies > Classical #323 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Forms & Genres > Opera
I came to this site as the result of the last Texaco Metropolitan Opera broadcast. A listener had submitted a three-part question based on her study of Charles Osborne's Complete Operas of Verdi. She referred to it as a three volume work. I immediately became excited as the edition that I own is a single work. I therefore imagined that there was a new edition. It did occur to me, however, that as this listener is in England, she might just be in posession of a different version of the same book (which I now presume to be the case).I have owned a copy of this work for over ten years. Having read the work from cover to cover several times, I cannot begin to guess how many times I have referred to individual chapters for reference. Mr. Osborne writes in a style which is easy to read for the Opera fanatic, as well as the scholar. The work contains chapters on each of Verdi's operas (including those which are relatively obscure in The United States). He gives background on the original sources as well as the contemporary historic events of the time.I reccommend this book without reservation.
Any lover of Verdi and opera, Italian or not, should have this book in their collection. Osborne presents an easy read, although sometimes too intellectual, but, his chronological organization exemplifies the development and growth of one of the five or so greatest operatic composers to have ever lived. And one can appreciate Verdi's brilliance and how he managed to compose one opera after another into his eightieth years. Many will argue, with good reason, that his last two operas, Otello and Falstaff were his most magnificent compositions. The reader is well enabled to understand how Verdi progressed to Otello and Falstaff in an almost step by step process covering some sixty years.
Osborne has organized his presentation well. He devotes a chapter to each of Verdi's operas. The chapters are arranged chronologically according to when the opera was first presented. Interesting and very readable. This is one of those rare finds that one would want to keep and refer to again and again.
Replaced one of my favorite books about a favorite artist. Good shape/arrived quickly. I'd certainly recommend it as it has an extensive survey of her work and life and quite a few reproductions.
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