This illustrated study is a resource for opera scholars; opera workers and opera lovers. It explores the field of opera studies in three ways: Through history: Opera North is presented through a historical lens within the UK operatic landscape. The chapter amalgamates extensive archival resources and interview material; including many illustrations from its 35 year history. Through ethnography: the day-to-day workplace behaviour of an opera company is explored in its rehearsal and performance spaces; and the production cycle from first music rehearsal to first night is traced through detailed observation and photographic records. Through production analysis: selected productions of recent years are given a dramaturgical focus; with aspects of conceptual; textual and visual analysis. Opera North was founded as English National Opera North in 1978. It became independent from English National Opera in 1981 and holds a reputation for fostering artistic talent; for adventurous programming choices and for high production values. This study explores universal issues relating to the production of opera; based on the very specific example of our National Opera Company in the North.
#1005034 in eBooks 2015-03-16 2015-03-16File Name: B00PSSBIF0
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Approaching HDR from a biologically-plausible point of viewBy Vonikakis VasiliosThis is a very interesting book; approaching a "hot" topic in contemporary digital imaging; from a different; biologically-plausible; point of view.Indisputably; the Human Visual System (HVS) outperforms contemporary vision systems; in terms of High Dynamic Range (HDR) capabilities; since it can accommodate several more details in shadows or highlights; in a single view. On the other hand; it is impossible for todays cameras to capture; in a single photograph; visual details both in dark and bright regions; thus; resulting either in overexposed or underexposed areas. In order to overcome this discrepancy; current HDR techniques focus in capturing the radiance of scenes using multiple exposures. This; however; is definitely not the way the HVS functions. On the contrary; it renders successfully HDR imaging conditions with low-dynamic-range optic nerve cells. Until today; no single neural mechanism is identified in the HVS; specifically dedicated for handling HDR conditions. It seems rather that HDR; color constancy; local contrast; lightness and brightness perception; are all attributes of the same mechanism."The Art and Science of HDR Imaging"; approaches the HDR problem from this "biological" direction. It attempts to shed light on the way the HVS tackles HDR imaging conditions by three major means: First; it reviews psychophysical data regarding the perception of appearance by observers; color constancy; veiling glare; as well as other psychophysical characteristics. Second; it extensively describes HDR image processing; including the whole Retinex family of algorithms; as well as other techniques which model the way the HVS performs spatial processing. Third; it points out the limits of HDR both in biological and artificial visual systems.Many tend to believe that HDR imaging is the latest trend in digital photography. However; the problem of HDR rendering was tackled centuries ago; by the first photographers and painters. This book includes the most extensive history of HDR that I have ever seen.I would definitely recommend this book both for people who are new in the HDR field and want to know more about its history; limits and characteristics; as well as for experienced researchers who seek a different; promising and biologically-plausible approach to HDR.
