Lorenzo da Ponte: the life and times of Mozart's librettist

by Sheila Hodges

Lorenzo da the life and times of Mozart's librettist

274 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it! I have read Da Ponte's memoirs, which I loved, and the "Librettist of Venice" which I think is a more entertaining biography than this one. However Sheila Hodges is definitely the most accurate and even compares Da Ponte's memoirs with other accounts and letters that he wrote to point out when he may have been exaggerating or left out elements of his life which he may not have wanted to come to light. For the most in depth portrait of Da Ponte, definitely check out this biography!

[Frank McAdam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent compact biography of one the most fascinating figures in classical music. Da Ponte was of course the author of the libretti for Mozart's three greatest operas, but he was also a distinguished poet who did much to advance the study of Italian language and literature in the US. A picaresque character - he was close friends with his fellow Venetian Casanova - he was always getting into one scrape after another, but he had a warm heart and was an entirely likable individual. Who else could go from running the opera at the Viennese court of Joseph II to owning a grocery store in Manhattan? The book quotes liberally from the Memoirs and covers all the high points of Da Ponte's long life.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well researched and thorough life of Da Ponte, a man whose life could easily have come from an opera. While the biographer chose to de-emphasize many of the more theatrical aspects and anecdotes about Da Ponte's life, they are mentioned; though they do not form the bulk of the story. Still, an interesting man who did much for the cause of opera, and played a key role in introducing Italian culture and literature to the young nation of America.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along with all of his other accomplishments, here is a man who, also inspired a commencement speach...