Review by Choice Review
Kelly (Harvard) did his homework for this interesting book, which looks at the first performance of five well-known operas of the 18th and 19th centuries: Handel's Guilio Cesare (1724), Mozart's Don Giovanni (1787), Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots (1836), Wagner's Das Rheingold (1876), and Verdi's Otello (1887). The author divides the description of each opera into four parts. In "Background," he gives historical data about the period, city, and theater chosen for the premier. In "Preparations," he describes the stage, sets, lighting, costumes, orchestra, composer, librettist, director, and singers. Additionally, he gives details about rehearsals, describing the interactions of the various personalities involved. In "The Performance," he summarizes the opera's plot, discusses the main arias and ensembles, and even describes the audience present at the first performance. "Reactions" includes numerous newspaper reviews, letters, etc., following the performance. Kelly concludes each chapter with 15-30 pages of primary sources; he includes suggested recordings and additional readings, and extensive notes. This well-written and thoroughly documented volume will be valuable and enjoyable for readers at all levels. ^BSumming Up: Essential. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers. R. Pitts McLennan Community College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Repeating the successful format of his earlier First Nights: Five Musical Premieres, music historian Kelly (Harvard Univ.) presents fascinating discussions of five opera premieres: Handel's Giulio Cesare in Egitto, Mozart's Don Giovanni, Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots, Wagner's Das Rheingold, and Verdi's Otello. What these operas have in common is that they are monumental works that continue to be extremely popular. A gifted storyteller, Kelly reproduces much of the commotion, enthusiasm, and glamour of the opening performance; vividly re-creates the exciting moment when they were first viewed by the public; and provides glimpses of their social and historical settings along with information about everyone involved in the production, from composers to impresarios. Quotes from contemporary documents, reviews, letters, memoirs, and newspaper articles flesh out the story and add depth to the general scene. This thoroughly enjoyable and informative book will delight all opera lovers; highly recommended, especially where Kelly's first book did well.-Timothy J. McGee, Hastings, Ont. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Library Journal Review
