Review by Choice Review
The contribution of Manuel Garcia p`ere has largely been neglected because of the fame of his son, Manuel Garcia fils, the latter generally considered the major voice pedagogue of the 19th century. Radomski's scholarly study brings into proper perspective the elder Garcia's impact on the 19th-century performance world, viewed through Garcia's several roles as internationally recognized opera star, composer, and teacher of famous singing artists. Voluminous correspondence, reviews, and documents, frequently cited in their entirety, provide extensive detail. Radomski (California State Univ., San Bernadino) is particularly intrigued by Garcia's role as composer, giving his oeuvre a higher rating than traditional criticism has afforded. Several performable musical examples are offered in evidence. Comments on the technical aspects of Garcia's pedagogy attest to the author's personal orientation. Thoroughly indexed, with an extensive bibliography, this unique and well-written biography of a neglected artist should prove of interest to students of the performance arts at the graduate and research levels. R. Miller; Oberlin College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
