Puccini Without Excuses

A Refreshing Reassessment of the World's Most Popular Composer

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Theory & Criticism, Appreciation, Music Styles, Classical & Opera, Opera
Cover of the book Puccini Without Excuses by William Berger, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William Berger ISBN: 9780307542908
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group Publication: July 1, 2009
Imprint: Vintage Language: English
Author: William Berger
ISBN: 9780307542908
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Publication: July 1, 2009
Imprint: Vintage
Language: English

Puccini is the most beloved composer of opera in the world: one quarter of all opera performances in the U.S. are of his operas, his music pervades movie soundtracks, and his plots have infiltrated our popular culture. But, although Puccini’s art still captivates audiences and the popularity of such works as Tosca, La Boh?me, and Madama Butterfly has never waned, he has long been a victim of critical snobbery and cultural marginalization.

In this witty and informative guide for beginners and fans alike, William Berger sets the record straight, reclaiming Puccini as a serious artist. Combining his trademark irreverent humor with passionate enthusiasm, Berger strikes just the right balance of introductory information and thought-provoking analysis. He includes a biography, discussions of each opera, a glossary, fun facts and anecdotes, and above all keen insight into Puccini’s enduring power. For anyone who loves Puccini and for anyone who just wonders what all the fuss is about, Puccini Without Excuses is funny, challenging, and always a pleasure to read.

INCLUDES:

_ Why Puccini’s art and its message of hope is crucial to our world today

_ How Anglo audiences often miss the mythic significance of his operas

_ The use of his music as shorthand in films, from A Room with a View to Fatal Attraction

_ A scene-by scene analysis of each opera

_ A guide to the wealth of available recordings, books, and videos

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Puccini is the most beloved composer of opera in the world: one quarter of all opera performances in the U.S. are of his operas, his music pervades movie soundtracks, and his plots have infiltrated our popular culture. But, although Puccini’s art still captivates audiences and the popularity of such works as Tosca, La Boh?me, and Madama Butterfly has never waned, he has long been a victim of critical snobbery and cultural marginalization.

In this witty and informative guide for beginners and fans alike, William Berger sets the record straight, reclaiming Puccini as a serious artist. Combining his trademark irreverent humor with passionate enthusiasm, Berger strikes just the right balance of introductory information and thought-provoking analysis. He includes a biography, discussions of each opera, a glossary, fun facts and anecdotes, and above all keen insight into Puccini’s enduring power. For anyone who loves Puccini and for anyone who just wonders what all the fuss is about, Puccini Without Excuses is funny, challenging, and always a pleasure to read.

INCLUDES:

_ Why Puccini’s art and its message of hope is crucial to our world today

_ How Anglo audiences often miss the mythic significance of his operas

_ The use of his music as shorthand in films, from A Room with a View to Fatal Attraction

_ A scene-by scene analysis of each opera

_ A guide to the wealth of available recordings, books, and videos

More books from Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Cover of the book Resistance by William Berger
Cover of the book Hellhound On His Trail by William Berger
Cover of the book The Time Machine by William Berger
Cover of the book Wild (Oprah's Book Club 2.0 Digital Edition) by William Berger
Cover of the book The Diary of an American Au Pair by William Berger
Cover of the book Lidia's Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine by William Berger
Cover of the book It Ain't Sauce, It's Gravy by William Berger
Cover of the book Dead Souls by William Berger
Cover of the book Young Hearts Crying by William Berger
Cover of the book Sunshine on Scotland Street by William Berger
Cover of the book Punching Out by William Berger
Cover of the book The Independent Woman by William Berger
Cover of the book Complete Poems by William Berger
Cover of the book Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey by William Berger
Cover of the book The Long Take by William Berger
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy