The Opera Companion: A Guide For The Casual Opera-Goer by George Martin hits the £1 shelf in my shop.
MacMillan & Co., 1962, Hardback in dust wrapper.
Illustrated by way of: Black & White Drawings;
From the cover: This is a book about opera completely different in presentation and treatment from the usual handbook, and one which answers almost every vexing question likely to assail all but the most expert opera-goers, and answers them with accuracy, brevity and wit. For the complete novice it is a fascinating introduction to the art of opera, and for the more knowledgeable reader an invaluable source of information of every kind.
The first section is devoted to such general topics as the function and evolution of operatic overtures, the different kinds of voices and the way in which singers are trained, the role of the castrati, the part played by the orchestra, the use of ballet in opera, the function of the claque and the history of opera as a form of public entertainment. Then follows a glossary of operatic terms and miscellaneous information designed to be read for enjoyment as well as information. The second half of the book contains synopses of forty-seven operas by eighteen composers, and brief accounts of twenty-six contemporary operas by nineteen composers : statistics of the repertoires of the worlds major opera houses complete the book, together with a catalogue of operas mentioned in the book and a quick guide to basic operatic Italian.
George Martin, a director of the Metropolitan Opera Guild of New York, has spent three years in preparing this new look at opera, and the result is a volume that provides the reader with a wealth of information that will deepen and illumine his enjoyment of the art.
Good in Good Dust Wrapper. Edges of the dust wrapper somewhat frayed, a little faded and soiled. Gently bruised at the head, tail and corners of the binding. Bookplate to the pastedown. Pages lightly age-tanned.
Red boards with Gilt on Black Title Plate titling to the Spine.
[XV] 751 pages. Index. 9½” x 6¼”.
This book will be listed, sooner or later, for £6.50 on my delightful website… (added to my Music Opera category.) but get 50% off buying from my blog… below…
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