by Patrick Barbier ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 1995
More than you want or need to know about a minor era in operatic history. Even the author admits that ``the first half of the 19th century was not the most remarkable period in the history of the Paris OpÇra.'' With this lukewarm endorsement, Barbier (History/Western Catholic Univ., France) embarks on a detailed description of operatic life in Paris during this period, focusing on the relationship between politics and music; the management of the various opera-theaters; opera audiences; the roles of the composer, librettist, and director; and the often vituperative attacks by critics on works that did not fit into the expected mold. Few notable operas originated in Paris at this time; most were imports, and many were bowdlerized by the theaters in an attempt to mold them into a more ``popular'' form. Native composers like Berlioz had difficulty having their more adventurous works staged, and when they were performed they were often roundly jeered. The author offers some lively anecdotes about the period's many colorful operatic stars, as well as the audience and composers, but these are few and far between and do not make up for the many passages in which Barbier bogs down in his enthusiasms. Originally published in French in 1987, the text often suffers from a clumsy translation—``Too much importance should not be ascribed to the staging of a production'' is typical of the often literal- minded rewording. The true opera fan may find a few illuminating moments here, but the casual reader would be better served by a general history that covers more bases. The paucity of illustrations makes this less than ideal for browsers, while the academic community will be put off by its thin scholarship. The fat lady won't stay around long to sing for this one.
Pub Date: May 1, 1995
ISBN: 0-931340-83-7
Page Count: 258
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1995
Share your opinion of this book
More by Patrick Barbier
BOOK REVIEW
by William Strunk & E.B. White ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 15, 1972
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis...
Privately published by Strunk of Cornell in 1918 and revised by his student E. B. White in 1959, that "little book" is back again with more White updatings.
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis (whoops — "A bankrupt expression") a unique guide (which means "without like or equal").Pub Date: May 15, 1972
ISBN: 0205632645
Page Count: 105
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972
Share your opinion of this book
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
Share your opinion of this book
More by E.T.A. Hoffmann
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson
BOOK REVIEW
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.