In Performing Opera: A Practical Guide for Singers and Directors Michael Ewans provides a detailed and practical workbook to performing many of the most commonly produced operas. Drawing on examples from twenty-four operas ranging in period from Gluck and Mozart to Britten and Tippett; it illustrates exactly how opera functions as dramatic form. Grounded in close analyses of performances of thirty scenes and five whole operas by first-rate singers and celebrated directors; Performing Opera provides readers with an appreciation of the unique challenges and skills required by performers and directors. It will assist them in their own performance and equip them with detailed knowledge of works most commonly featured in the repertoire. In the first part of the book the analysis progresses from scenes in which the singers are silent; via arias and monologues; duets and confrontations; up to ensembles. Wider issues are subsequently addressed: encounters with offstage events; encounters with the numinous; characterization; and the sense of inevitability in tragic opera.
#47163 in eBooks 2008-05-27 2008-05-27File Name: B0017T09XQ
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. All Fizz but no SubstanceBy Ann El-AgezI enjoyed the first couple of chapters about her childhood but from then on the book fell apart and i found myself skimming over all the many names of people. cafes and places that meant nothing to me. Poorly written in that there was no depth or order to the story line. She just jumped from one tangled mess to the next without any real ability to engage the reader in what was going onPatti was certainly an icon of the sixties and I cant help but admire the fact that she survived through all the excesses of the time. Reading this has made me sad for her in many ways ..Beautiful but barren. Wealthy but poor in genuine loving relationships. I hope she has found happiness in her later years4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. I loved reading about the inner workings of four very talented ...By GracePattie Boyd gives you a look into the world of The Beatles from very early on. If you are a fan of The Beatles you will find this book very interesting. Its not just a story about her life with George and Eric. I loved reading about the inner workings of four very talented men.15 of 17 people found the following review helpful. I also knew Pattie had a pretty sister who was involved with other rockersBy NocturnalI bought this book because I was and still am a Beatles fan. They were such huge influence in my life. So. of course. I have always been curious about the women in the Beatles lives. I saw Hard Days Night when it first came out and was aware of the Paul vs. George thing for Pattie Boyds favor. I knew already she and George had married. never had kids. her affair with Eric Clapton that lead to her divorce from George. I also knew Pattie had a pretty sister who was involved with other rockers. Pattie was the "It" girl during the Beatles era--tall. slim. long straight blonde hair and big blue eyes (hm. I guess shed still be the "It" girl today). But you never know about the back story from the media. And thats what this book is all about. I do think both Boyd and Cynthia Lennon was far too submissive and compliant. allowing their men to treat them like personal slaves made to keep the house. cook. fetch and carry without any consideration of the wifes hopes and dreams--and these wives enabled it in hopes that being so cooperative would keep their men tethered to them. Which. obviously it didnt. Its something that happens a lot when a man starts to rise in power. influence and social stature; if his woman cannot keep up by becoming just as potent. hell find someone else who is because you can hire housekeepers. chefs and aides through an agency (you dont have to marry someone to get those services). It was an interesting read simply for that reason. Both Boyd and Cynthia Lennon never understood that reality so lost their men. And it also goes to show. all you girls obsessed with your looks. that being the most beautiful does not guarantee you happiness or a happily ever after; your looks may initially attract the attention you want but it wont keep it.
