Bernard Williams; who died in 2003; was one of the most influential moral philosophers of his generation. A lifelong opera lover; his articles and essays; talks for the BBC; contributions to the Grove Dictionary of Opera; and program notes for the Royal Opera House; Covent Garden; and the English National Opera; generated a devoted following. This elegant volume brings together these widely scattered and largely unobtainable pieces; including two that have not been previously published. It covers an engaging range of topics from Mozart to Wagner; including sparkling essays on specific operas by those composers as well as Verdi; Puccini; Strauss; Debussy; Janacek; and Tippett. Reflecting Williamsrsquo;s brilliance; passion; and clarity of mind; these essays engage with; and illustrate; the enduring appeal of opera as an art form.
#1144340 in eBooks 2015-04-14 2015-04-14File Name: B007WL3CKA
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A+By DennisonOne of the best art books Ive ever read. Hackman strikes the right tone - enthusiastic about the subject while maintaing objectivity. Each chapter weighs artistic concepts with the realities and practicalities concerning the artists/dealers at the time. Everything is put into context. You can tell he loves and respects the art of this era and yet views it with a critical eye. Smart and on point. Not just a puff piece like so many other books on specific periods of art history.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent history of the LA art sceneBy Roger HandlingA great book. Hackman covers the LA art scene in a very readable and interesting manner. He does justice to the excellent work being created in the LA area during the 60s oft overlooked by the New York-centric tendency of art historians writing about the North American art world. He doesnt fail to expose the drawbacks to the art scene on the west coast which made the achievements of the truly talented who emerged all the more admirable.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good facts about the early days of LA collecting and ...By GilbertGood facts about the early days of LA collecting and museum. but much of the meat of the book has been seen elsewhere. A fun. engaging read. but few new ideas.
