High notes are hit, myths exposed, gossip relayed and more in this witty and informative look at the world's great operas.

Presents the global social history of one of the world's most romantic, flamboyant, glamorous and politically influential art-form: Opera. This book unfolds the story of opera in the social contexts in which it developed - through history and around the world.

Everything You Never Knew About Opera for Buffs and Bluffers.

Wagner's Ring Cycle is, to put it mildly, one of the most ambitious musical projects ever undertaken. Composed over a period of twenty-five years between 1848-1874 the four operas of Das Rheingold, Die Walkurie, Siegried and Gotterdamerung total fifteen hours. Whilst each opera is often performed as a work in its own right, Wagner's intention was that a full understanding of the Ring Cycle ...

Traces the development of ENO from its earliest origins in the darkest Victorian slums of the Cut, where it was conceived as a vehicle of social reform, through two world wars, and via Sadler's Wells to its great glory days at the Coliseum and beyond.

A collection of encounters with the great stars and personalities that shape and enhance the opera universe. It lets you join the author on her surprising journey through the opera world as she recounts the unconventional and at times amusing path where she met and came to know the stars of the lyric universe.

Providing a new perspective on the operatic legacy of Joseph Haydn, this book investigates Jewish representation on the eighteenth-century stage.

Andrea Bocelli has sold an astonishing 20 million recordings worldwide. Yet behind his success lies a story of personal triumph. Undeterred by losing his sight at the age of 12, he continued to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a famous tenor, using Braille musical scores and lyric sheets.

Traces the history of opera in British Columbia from its colourful origins in touring companies, to the determined efforts of BC's opera pioneers who laid the foundations for two of Canada's most renowned opera companies, culminating with in-depth reporting on developments at Vancouver Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.

A musicological comparison of Richard Wagner's great female characters. This book claims that Wagner was far ahead of his time in terms of equality between the sexes.

Describes Gluck's eventful career all over Europe, and his far-reaching innovations in the field of opera.

An international team of contributors, including film director Mike Leigh, presents fresh insights into the work of Gilbert and Sullivan.

In Death-Devoted Heart Roger Scruton argues that Tristan und Isolde has profound religious meaning. Blending philosophy, criticism and musicology, he shows the work is as relevant today as it was to Wagner's contemporaries. Scruton's analysis touches on the nature of tragedy, the significance of ritual sacrifice, and the meaning of redemption.

Offering insights into understanding what makes opera sound and look the way it does, this guide features simple information on the evolution of opera from the Baroque to the Romantic and all the way to the 20th century. The greatest composers and most beloved operas are covered in detail.

The operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti has reached a level of superstardom usually only reached by film and pop stars. His concerts are attended by thousands, his records selling millions. This is a portrait of this extraordinary artist, covering the major events of his public and private life.

This work is a concise and comprehensive guide to the repertoire of opera. It contains synopses of 83 major operas by 41 composers from Monteverdi and Purcell through Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, Debussy and Janacek to Alban Berg, Tippett and Britten.

Opera portrays pieces in their historical context and highlights key events in the history of music, as well as important performances and interpretations. Arranged alphabetically by composer, this volume is a clearly organised reference work for fans of both classical and modern opera, from Verdi to Handel, and from Mozart and Britten to Puccini.

Covers the philosophical and literary underpinnings of Wagner's and Schopenhauer's story. This work explores Schopenhauer's metaphysics and Gottfried van Strassburg's Tristan poem. It turns to the events in the opera, providing tonal and harmonic analyses to reinforce its interpretation of the drama. It also creates an account of Ristan.

Into the world of 'the three tenors' - what happened to Placido Domingo in the twenty years since his 40th birthday