Description
Reviews
Martin's most comprehensive study on this subject to date. It reflects an awareness of how Verdi's reception outside Italy has influenced our understanding of the complex and fascinating legends and legacies surrounding his career. Martin's aim to shed light on the historical context behind the Verdi productions produces some of the most intriguing aspects of the book. -- Chloe Valenti * MUSIC & LETTERS *
A tour de force. . . . Succeeds extraordinarily in achieving his stated goals. A vibrant book that is filled with enough detailed information on Verdi's operas to satisfy a researcher's needs, but is also readily accessible to the general operagoer. -- John Graziano * JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR AMERICAN MUSIC *
A unique panorama of Verdi's early operas and American operatic practice, past and present. . . . Martin's discussions of each opera illuminate historical trends that are often overlooked. . . . Perhaps most valuable are Martin's discussions of . . . a network of smaller companies, venues, and concert series that are rarely, if ever examined. . . . Methodologically unique, illuminating for the first time the transformation of operatic practice (in America) from the mid-nineteenth century through the current day. . . . A student of American opera, American musical institutions, and Giuseppe Verdi should consider George W. Martin's book required reading, and its dual functionality as both a reference book and monograph makes it a particularly useful addition to the library shelf. -- Christopher Lynch * MUSIC REFERENCE SERVICES QUARTERLY *
Keen insight. . . . A history of the early American operatic stage through the prism of Verdi's early works. Especially pertinent is information on many of the US's most important regional opera house -- material unavailable elsewhere -- and [on the] recording histories of the operas. . . . Deeply edifying. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. -- S. C. Champagne * CHOICE *
Offers informed, trenchant assessments of important Met stagings. . . . Especially insightful about the work of regional companies. . . . Martin's effort combines a critic's eye, a scholar's rigor and a fan's enthusiasm. -- Fred Cohn * OPERA NEWS *
Informative and filled with engaging materials and useful data. . . . Provides a wealth of details about how different religious beliefs in different areas created barriers against opera. -- Claudio Vellutini * CAMBRIDGE OPERA JOURNAL *
Book Information
ISBN 9781580463881
Author George W. Martin
Format Hardback
Page Count 494
Imprint University of Rochester Press
Publisher Boydell & Brewer Ltd
Weight(grams) 1g