Black Dog Opera Library
3 total works
Tosca, one of Puccini’s greatest and most popular operas, is a supreme example of music’s power to enthral the audience. In his introductory essay to this guide, Bernard Williams discusses the enduring quality of its appeal. Bernard Keeffe, in his article, analyses different aspects of the score, noting Puccini’s special genius for orchestration and the subtle effects that give the opera its irresistible vitality, while Stuart Woolf’s survey of the historical background reveals its political and nationalistic undertones. Enriched by twenty-five archive photographs, a detailed thematic analysis, the original libretto with the facing literal translation and a section containing up-to-date discographical and bibliographical information, this guide will prove an invaluable companion for opera-goers and anyone wanting to delve deeper into the genesis, history and significance of Puccini’s work.
A series of hardback books each with two EMI compact discs. An extraordinary marriage of music and words in a popularly priced package: each of these books provides the history of a famous opera and its composer, plus the complete libretto in its original language and an English translation with annotated commentary. Inside the front and back cover of each book are 2 EMI music CDs containing a top performance of the opera. This is a complete multi-media guide to understanding and appreciating opera. It features the complete opera on two CDsm, and the complete libretto with annotations, and a critical historical commentary full colour photos of performances. 6 titles have been repacked with newly formatted and redesigned books.
The Black Dog Opera Library is the best, easiest and most informative and budget-friendly way to enjoy four of the greatest operas of all time. Finally available again, and packaged with gorgeous new covers, each book in the library includes the complete opera on 2 CDs, featuring world-class performances and orchestras; the complete libretto, plus its English translation; an exciting history of the opera; a biography of the composer; a synopsis of the story, broken down by act and scene; and dozens of photographs and drawings depicting performances, singers, sets, costumes, and more.La Boh?me features Nicolai Gedda and Mirella Freni, with Thomas Schippers conducting the Orchestro e Coro del Teatro dell'Opera di Roma.Also available:Carmen features Grace Bumbry, Jon Vickers, Mirella Freni, and Kostas Paskalis, with Rafael Fru?beck de Burgos conducting the Orchestra of the Th??tre National de l'Op?ra. La Traviata features Beverly Sills, Nicolai Gedda, and Rolando Panerai, with Aldo Ceccato conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; The Marriage of Figaro features Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Heather Harper, Judith Blegen, Geraint Evans, Teresa Berganza, and Birgit Finnil?, with Daniel Barenboim conducting the English Chamber Orchestra.Listen. Enjoy. Learn.