Verdi with a Vengeance: An Energetic Guide to the Life and Complete Works of the King of Opera

Everything you could possibly know about Verdi and his operas, from the brilliant and humorous author of Wagner Without Fear.

If you want to know why La traviata was actually a flop at its premiere in 1853, it's in here. If you want to know why claiming to have heard Bjorling's Chicago performance of Il trovatore is the classic opera fan faux pas, it's in here. Even if you just want to know how to pronounce Aida, or what the plot of Rigoletto is all about, this is the place to look. From the composer's intense hatred of priests to synopses of the operas and a detailed discography of the best recordings to buy, it can all be found in Verdi with a Vengeance. William Berger has given another improbable performance, serving up a book as thorough as it is funny and as original as it is astute, an utterly indispensable guide for novice and expert alike.

Author: William Berger
Publisher: Vintage
Published: 09/12/2000
Pages: 512
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.20w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9780375705182

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 09/11/2000 pg. 84
Library Journal 09/15/2000 pg. 78