Subject
Operas -- Stories, plots, etc. Books
Best books
Gustav Kobbé
The Complete Opera Book The Stories of the Operas, together with 400 of the Leading Airs and Motives in Musical Notation
"The Complete Opera Book" by Gustav Kobbé is a guide to operas first published posthumously in 1919. This comprehensive reference presents opera stories alongside musical notation of leading airs and motives. Covering works from Gluck to early twentieth-century composers, the book organizes operas by national schools and historical periods. Originally left unfinished at Kobbé's death, it was completed by editor Katharine Wright and expanded through numerous editions, becoming the definitive encyclopedic account of opera for generations of music lovers and record collectors.
Charles Annesley
The Standard Operaglass Detailed Plots of One Hundred and Fifty-one Celebrated Operas
"The Standard-Operaglass" by Charles Annesley is a reference guide focused on opera, written in the early 20th century. The work contains detailed plots and critical remarks for one hundred and fifty-one famous operas, making it a valuable resource for opera enthusiasts and critics alike. Readers can expect insights into the composers, notable characters, and historical context behind these works, enhancing their overall appreciation of operatic art. At the start of the text, the author provides an overview of how the guide is structured, beginning with "Abu Hassan," a comic opera by Weber. The summary details the plot of the opera, describing the main character, Abu Hassan, who finds himself in financial trouble and concocts a scheme involving his wife to improve his situation. Following this, the opening continues with summaries of more operas, such as Meyerbeer’s "L'Africaine" and Verdi's "Aida," which are briefly outlined alongside their plots and notable elements, suggesting that the book aims to succinctly convey essential stories and themes from a vast repertoire of opera.
Henry Edward Krehbiel
A Second Book of Operas
"A Second Book of Operas" by Henry Edward Krehbiel is a literary examination of operas, particularly those that draw upon Biblical stories, written during the late 19th century. The work discusses various operas and oratorios, scrutinizing their thematic connections to Biblical narratives as well as the creative processes of their composers, including the manipulations and adaptations that occur when transferring stories from text to stage. The opening of the book sets the stage for Krehbiel’s exploration of Biblical operas, beginning with a discussion on the challenges posed by censorship and audience expectations. He reflects on notable works like Gounod's "Reine de Saba," and how titles and content sometimes shift away from their scriptural origins to appease cultural sensitivities. Krehbiel introduces the complex relationship between music and narrative in operas such as Handel's "Mose in Egitto" and Saint-Saens's "Samson et Dalila," highlighting both the artistic merit as well as the potential pitfalls concerning faithfulness to the original Biblical texts. The opening portion demonstrates Krehbiel’s understanding of the interplay between dramatic representation and musical composition and sets the stage for a deeper analysis of individual operas throughout the subsequent chapters.
George P. (George Putnam) Upton
The Standard Light Operas, Their Plots and Their Music
"The Standard Light Operas, Their Plots and Their Music" by George P. Upton is a comprehensive reference handbook written in the early 20th century. This work focuses on the plots and musical elements of various light operas and operettas, aimed at enriching the understanding and appreciation of these popular performances for general audiences rather than musicians or scholars. The opening of the book introduces the author’s intention to address the growing popularity of light operas by providing readers with details about notable pieces and their respective stories. Upton notes the challenges of selecting "standard" works due to the overwhelming number of operettas and musical comedies being produced at the time. He emphasizes a more accessible discussion of the operas featured in the book, indicating that the texts will be described for enjoyment rather than in-depth critique, to cater to the opera-goers’ interests. Through this introduction, readers gain insight into what they can expect in terms of both the selection of works covered and the author's approach to their discussion.
Mary Schell Hoke Bacon
Operas Every Child Should Know Descriptions of the Text and Music of Some of the Most Famous Masterpieces
"Operas Every Child Should Know" by Mary Schell Hoke Bacon is a collection of descriptions and explorations of famous operas aimed at children, likely written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on some of the most notable operatic masterpieces and aims to make them accessible to young audiences, offering insights into their stories and music, while embracing the beauty and complexity of opera as a genre. The opening of the book introduces the foreword, which discusses the challenges of selecting specific operas to include and reflects on the subjective nature of operatic quality and popularity. The author emphasizes that the goal is not just to present great works but also to give children a sense of the rich tapestry of operatic storytelling and music. It mentions various operas and composers that will be covered, setting the stage for a journey through the world of opera, imparting an appreciation for its history, diversity, and emotional resonance. The author asserts that understanding the stories behind the music enhances the overall experience of opera.
Henry Edward Krehbiel
A Book of Operas: Their Histories, Their Plots, and Their Music
"A Book of Operas: Their Histories, Their Plots, and Their Music" by Henry Edward Krehbiel is a comprehensive analysis of opera, focusing on key works and their journeys through performance history, written in the late 19th century. This exploration delves into the narratives, characters, composers, and significant productions of various famous operas, elucidating how their intricate plots and musical compositions have evolved over time and gained traction in various cultural contexts. The opening of the book lays the groundwork by detailing the history of Italian opera in America, beginning with the landmark performance of Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia." This section highlights the challenges and triumphs faced during its introduction, including initial failures and later success, while recounting the pivotal roles performed by singers and composers involved. An in-depth examination of "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" reveals its plot dynamics, character motivations, and the ingenuity that Rossini brought to the score, often reflecting on how the work has been interpreted and adapted throughout the years, showcasing Krehbiel’s expertise in bridging the gap between musical theory and practical performance history.
Gladys Davidson
Stories from the operas
"Stories from the Operas" by Gladys Davidson is a collection of retellings of various opera librettos presented in a clear and accessible narrative form. Likely written during the early 20th century, the book seeks to make the thrilling tales of operatic drama enjoyable to a broader audience beyond the confines of the stage. Each chapter appears to encapsulate the essence of a different opera, giving readers an overview of the plots and characters involved. The beginning of the book outlines Davidson's intentions and the structure of the collection, emphasizing its appeal to both opera enthusiasts and general readers who enjoy dramatic storytelling. Through her prefatory remarks, Davidson expresses gratitude to various publishers and highlights the previous success of her stories from different operas. The opening portion provides a glimpse into the first story, "Fra Diavolo," which introduces a lively setting on Easter Eve, detailing the impending marriage of a young couple and setting the stage for the clever banditry of the infamous Fra Diavolo amidst romantic entanglements and conflicts.
George P. (George Putnam) Upton
The Standard Operas: Their Plots, Their Music, and Their Composers (12th edition)
"The Standard Operas: Their Plots, Their Music, and Their Composers" by George P. Upton is a comprehensive handbook on operas, published during the late 19th century. This work aims to provide readers with a brief but informative overview of operas likely to be performed during regular seasons, featuring insights into each composer's biography, the plot of the operas, notable musical elements, and historical context. The opening of the handbook introduces its objectives and methodology, emphasizing the author’s intent to present accessible information to opera enthusiasts, regardless of their musical education. Upton includes a preface that outlines the structure of the book, detailing the inclusion of prominent scenes, notable musical pieces, and original casts. Following the preface, the contents list various notable composers, such as Auber and Donizetti, along with their signature works, indicating that the subsequent chapters will delve into individual operas, exploring their unique stories, scores, and their contributions to the operatic repertoire.
Gertrude Hall Brownell
The Wagnerian Romances
"The Wagnerian Romances" by Gertrude Hall Brownell is a literary exploration of the operas of Richard Wagner, written in the early 20th century. The book aims to present the enchanting stories and profound themes originating from Wagner's libretti and scores, emphasizing their beauty and narrative depth beyond mere musical critique. It includes detailed accounts of notable works such as "Parsifal," "The Ring of the Nibelung," and "Tristan and Isolde," inviting readers to experience these operas as literary pieces in their own right. The opening of "The Wagnerian Romances" introduces readers to the ethereal world of Wagner's operas, starting with "Parsifal." Here, we meet Gurnemanz and the youthful Parsifal, who unwittingly engages with the themes of innocence and morality. The scene is set at the Castle of the Grail, exploring the backstory surrounding the theme of the Holy Grail and its guardian knights. The narrative unfolds with Gurnemanz recounting the tragic state of the Grail and the wounded king Amfortas while introducing Kundry, a complex character entangled in the past. The tension between longing and the quest for redemption is evident, suggesting a layered journey for Parsifal as he moves from ignorance to insight, highlighting both personal and spiritual growth—a theme that resonates throughout Wagner's works.
Florence Akin
Opera Stories from Wagner
"Opera Stories from Wagner" by Florence Akin is a collection of children's stories based on the operas of Richard Wagner, written in the early 20th century, specifically around the year 1915. The book presents a retelling of significant tales from Wagner's operas, primarily focusing on works such as "The Rhine Gold," "The Valkyrie," "Siegfried," and "Twilight of the Gods." It aims to introduce younger audiences to the themes and narratives found in Wagner's dramatic works in an engaging and accessible manner. The stories within the book explore the adventures of various characters from Wagner's operas, showcasing the epic tales of love, greed, and the consequences of ambition. Readers encounter figures such as the Rhine-daughters who lose their precious gold to the greedy dwarf Alberich, the brave hero Siegmund, and the valiant Siegfried, who ultimately faces a fierce dragon. Each tale unfolds with captivating elements such as magic, fierce battles, and profound teachings about the value of love over material wealth. The narrative emphasizes that true happiness cannot be found in gold, but rather in the bonds of love and friendship, culminating in the restoration of balance and joy to the world.
Mabel Wagnalls
Stars of the Opera A Description of Operas & a Series of Personal Interviews with Marcela Sembrich, Emma Eames, Emma Calvé, Lillian Nordica, Lilli Lehmann, Geraldine Farrar & Nellie Melba
"Stars of the Opera" by Mabel Wagnalls is a collection of descriptive accounts and personal interviews written in the early 20th century. The book features operas as its main subject, providing readers with insights into the world of grand opera through discussions with notable singers like Marcella Sembrich and Emma Eames. The work highlights the artistry and challenges faced by these prominent figures in opera, inviting readers to appreciate the depth of their craft. The opening of "Stars of the Opera" introduces readers to the exhilarating atmosphere of a grand performance, specifically highlighting Marcella Sembrich’s celebrated portrayal in "Traviata." Wagnalls captures the excitement of the audience and the formidable talent of the performers, showcasing the hard work and dedication that goes into the art of opera. In a personal interview, Sembrich shares her early experiences with music, her rigorous training, and the emotional weight she feels as a performer. Through this intimate glimpse, readers can grasp the blend of artistry, discipline, and passion that defines the opera world.
E. F. (Edward Frederic) Benson
The Valkyries
"The Valkyries" by E. F. Benson is a narrative prose adaptation of Richard Wagner's opera "Die Walküre," written in the early 20th century. The text explores themes of love, fate, and the power of the gods through a rich tapestry of characters, particularly focusing on Siegmund, Sieglinde, and the Valkyrie Brunnhilde. This adaptation seeks to make Wagner's grand and complex story more accessible to English-speaking audiences. The opening of "The Valkyries" sets a dramatic and foreboding tone, depicting an unusually harsh winter in a time when spring is expected to arrive, symbolizing chaos in both the natural world and the lives of the characters. Readers are introduced to Sieglinde, trapped in a loveless marriage to Hunding, who is portrayed as brutish and cruel. As the tumult of the winter storms parallels Sieglinde's inner turmoil and longing for love, a mysterious stranger appears, who is later revealed to be Siegmund. Their encounter ignites a connection filled with hope and desire, setting the stage for a conflict with Hunding. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at the impending clash between love and duty, as Wotan, the god, grapples with the consequences of fate and his own plans for his children.
Recently surfaced classics