The Paris Opera: An Encyclopedia of Operas, Ballets, Composers, and Performers; Growth and Grandeur, 1815-1914; A-L

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 816 pages
• Published by: Greenwood Press November 13, 1990
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0313277826
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0313277825
• Shipping Information:

Product Review
"[The introductory essay] does provide an appropriate overview and supplies a necessary framework within which the detailed entries may be conveniently placed. The encyclopedia proper emphasizes entries for works (operas, diverse lyric compositions, and ballets), and biographical sketches (composers, librettists, performers, directors, choreographers, and administrators). Although much of the material is already available in standard French sources, it is useful to have it here collected in accurate and accessible English translation. Similarly, the many extended synopses of unusual and unusual operas should prove exceedingly welcome and valuable. A repertory list (1671-1715) is included as an appendix; a bibliography lists standard references. Upper division undergraduate and graduate collections." -- Choice --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Review
“[The introductory essay] does provide an appropriate overview and supplies a necessary framework within which the detailed entries may be conveniently placed. The encyclopedia proper emphasizes entries for works (operas, diverse lyric compositions, and ballets), and biographical sketches (composers, librettists, performers, directors, choreographers, and administrators). Although much of the material is already available in standard French sources, it is useful to have it here collected in accurate and accessible English translation. Similarly, the many extended synopses of unusual and unusual operas should prove exceedingly welcome and valuable. A repertory list (1671-1715) is included as an appendix; a bibliography lists standard references. Upper division undergraduate and graduate collections.”–Choice

“Pitou's introduction is excellent. His emphasis is on the Opera as an institution, an artistic enterprise tied from birth to the French government and subject to constant political interference as well as support. He does not ignore the music or the problems of changing forms of music drama, but he does not linger on minute distinctions of form. The result is an account of the Opera that does not lose its subject in the mass of detail. Pitou achieves his aim: `to furnish an immediate orientation to the entire subject over the past three centuries.' No one has done it better.”–The Opera Quarterly --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.