The Opera Manual
- Author: Martin, Nicholas Ivor
Martin, an administrator at Chicago's Lyric Opera, has compiled a volume of technical information useful primarily to persons seeking data on the physical facets of opera production-a 'cookbook,'...
The Opera Manual
- Author: Martin, Nicholas Ivor
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Martin, an administrator at Chicago's Lyric Opera, has compiled a volume of technical information useful primarily to persons seeking data on the physical facets of opera production-a 'cookbook,'...
About
You are getting ready for a performance of Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore and you have a few questions. How many clarinets are in the orchestra? How many orchestra members appear onstage? How many different sets are there? How long does the opera typically run? What are the key arias? Are any special effects or ballet choreography required? Who owns the rights? Where was it premiered? What are the leading and supporting roles?
The Opera Manual is the only single source for the answers to these and other important questions. It is the ultimate companion for opera lovers, professionals, scholars, and teachers, featuring comprehensive information about, and plot summaries for, more than 550 operas—including every opera that is likely to be performed today, from standard to rediscovered contemporary works.
The book is invaluable, especially for opera professionals, who will find everything they need for choosing and staging operas. But it is also a treasure for listeners. Similar reference books commonly skip over scenes and supporting characters in their plot summaries, lacking even the most basic facts about staging, orchestral, and vocal requirements. The Opera Manual, based on the actual scores of the works discussed, is the only exhaustive, up-to-date opera companion—a “recipe book” that will enable its readers to explore those operas they know and discover new ones to sample and enjoy.
Contents
- The Opera Manual
Awards and reviews
Martin, an administrator at Chicago's Lyric Opera, has compiled a volume of technical information useful primarily to persons seeking data on the physical facets of opera production-a 'cookbook,' so to speak. It provides much practical advice on sets, acts/scenes, length, arias (plus vocal proficiency), hazards, chorus parts, accompanying ensemble needs, and more. This new edition follows closely in format Quaintance Eaton's two-volume Opera Production (1961-74) and, of course, has newer repertory in its listings. The text is arranged alphabetically by title of the work, with indexes of arias, librettists, and one-act operas. For the general researcher, this compact work can be used as a source for clearly written plot precis and factual information about a work. . . .Summing Up: Recommended. Professionals/practitioners and general readers
The new edition of The Opera Manual offers unique information for opera singers, producers, and buffs alike. Keeping in the typical style of other opera reference works, author Martin includes brief biographical and historical facts about composers and works as well as synopses. Where he diverges from the norm is in his descriptions and explanations of major, minor, and chorus roles; voice-type makeup of the chorus; orchestration details; and descriptions of each scene. He also includes useful indexes of librettists and aria titles. Recommended for academic libraries serving music programs and public libraries where there is a strong interest in opera
