Item Detail
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Boyden, Matthew
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Kimberley, Nick, et al., contributors
Staines, Joe, editor
Buckley, Jonathan, editor -
Opera : the rough guide
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Book
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2nd ed.
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London; New York, N.Y.
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1999
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Rough Guides, Distributed by the Penguin Group
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xii, 715 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
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English
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1858284562
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Opera--Dictionaries.
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Operas
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ML 102 .O6 B69 1999
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Boyden, Matthew. Opera: The Rough Guide, 2d ed. London: Rough Guides Ltd., 1999.
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A crash-course guide meant to help daunted individuals demystify and appreciate the world of opera.
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Coverage focuses its discussion of opera through plot synopses, composers, important artists, and sound recordings. Historical scope is 16th century to 1995. Works and composers selected by importance and relevance to the historical progression of opera. Scope of coverage is 383 operas ranging from well-known, regularly performed operas to lesser-known works the editors hope to highlight. For operas represented on CD, there are recommendations for suggested listening. Recommendations include readily available recordings and alternative, lesser-known recordings harder to acquire.
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There is an introduction and eight chapters, followed by a directory of singers, a directory of conductors, a glossary, and an index. The introduction contains guide to understanding symbols used within text. Each chapter details a specific time period of opera proceeding as follows: a list of operas featured in chapter (organized chronologically), an overview of the time period summarizing the entire chapter, then entries on the composers. Composers are chronologically discussed in detail, unless the editors felt understanding would be hampered by strict historical placement. Under each composer heading, significant works are discussed chronologically, featuring a plot synopsis, commentary, and recommended recordings. Each recommendation provides the names of the starring artists, theatrical companies involved, record label, serial number, number of CDs, a paragraph explaining the editor's choice, its availability, and a symbol designating approximate cost. Images of composers, cover art of recordings, and scenes from selected operas are included where appropriate or available. All entries, regardless of subject, go into great depth on historical context and relationship. Certain works include a Feature Box providing supplementary information or anecdotes. Entries in the directory of artists briefly provide information on career and recommended recordings featuring that artist. Entries in the directory of conductors provide brief information on career only.
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The book's tone is humorousparticularly the Feature Boxes--making it interesting to read. Detailed descriptions of sound recordings ease location of item. Different fonts, font sizes, symbols, and colored inks aid reading.
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Cannot verify validity or accuracy of information because a bibliography is not included.
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Bambarger, Bradley. Billboard 109 (September 1997): 71.
Brunskill, Ian. Opera 48 (October 1997): 1256-57.
Leon, Ruth. BBC Music Magazine 5 (May 1997): 19.
TLS: The Times Literary Supplement 4926 (August 1997): 21. -
BYU Mus Ref
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2553