by Michael Ffinch ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1993
Introductory guide to the life and works of the famous British duo, by poet/biographer Ffinch (G.K. Chesterton, 1987). Though of some service, it won't endanger the shelf life of standard works in the field, particularly Leslie Baily's classic The Gilbert and Sullivan Book. As you might expect from a poet, the emphasis here is on Gilbert over Sullivan. Ffinch traces the pair's career from their first collaboration through their final work, with some incidental discussion of Gilbert's other plays and libretti. A complete synopsis is given of each work, with liberal quotes from Gilbert's often amusing lyrics. Notes about the original productions and about critical and audience responses—as well as some glimpses of the backstage tensions between the collaborators and their producer, Richard D'Oyly Carte—are also offered, drawing on readily available sources. Perhaps most interesting are the descriptions of the original cast members, showing how Gilbert and Sullivan sensitively shaped their works to meet the needs of their repertoire company. Gilbert's pettiness in arguing over production costs with the wily D'Oyly Carte, and Sullivan's interest in cultivating the producer's friendship in order to ensure that D'Oyly Carte would produce the ``serious'' opera that Sullivan dreamed of composing, led to the duo's ultimate downfall. Although Ffinch emphasizes the importance of the collaborative effort, he offers scant discussion of Sullivan's music; and although well- known songs are mentioned, the author's obvious literary bent precludes any serious musical discussion. His sympathy for Gilbert, too, skews his book's ending, where it's apparent that Gilbert's own character faults led to the failure of the partnership. Not without its uses, but a more balanced account would help the beginning listener enjoy these works as comic operas, not just as comic texts. (Photographs)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1993
ISBN: 0-297-81236-X
Page Count: 294
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson/Trafalgar
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1993
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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