The Rough Guide to Opera

by Matthew Boyden

"The Rough Guide to Opera" is the definitive handbook on the subject, spanning nearly four centuries from Monteverdi to the avante-garde. Features

Genres: Music, Reference, Nonfiction, Art

736 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[Elena Sala · Rating 4 out of 5]

OPERA. THE ROUGH GUIDE (1999) is a great companion and introduction for readers new to opera. The book is structured chronologically: from the birth of opera to post World War II composers. Each chapter begins with an introduction of the period, then individual composers are introduced. Biographical information, context and their major works are discussed; then each of their major works is featured in some detail. Finally, a set of CD recommendations, ranked in order of preference is included. There is also a directory of singers and conductors featuring who is the best for a particular piece of music.

Two more recent editions of this guide have been published. I haven't perused them so I can't say anything about them. This guide has been my go-to companion for many years and although not every single composer is featured in it, the most important ones do make an appearance. It is a more than adequate guide for people new to opera.

[Daniel Kushner]

This book is quite comprehensive, and great if you need quick summaries and references. I don't agree with all the CD reviews and assessments of certain singers (calling Leo Nucci nothing more than a workhorse: that's ridiculous), they don't cover every opera, including interesting rarities by Puccini and others. Now there's a newer edition as well.

However, overall, you can't ask for a much better book if you want to delve into all things opera. No matter what edition you get, tap into this resource.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed resource book on opera stories and history.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great summary of the mainstream operatic works, major artists and the best recordings.

[Jake Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this volume to be highly informative- the next edition is supposed to have a lot more information on a greater amount of opera and provide expanded commentary. Hope it gets published soon.

[David]

Grand passions. I regret nothing.