2-Time Award-Winner! 2000 AFIM Indie Award • Spoken Word 1999 Talkies Award • Non-Fiction
Since its origins in the 16th century, opera has been an extravagant, costly affair, arousing great passions. It has also produced some of the most sublime works of art, from Monteverdi to Wagner. Following the widely acclaimed History of Classical Music, Richard Fawkes traces the history of opera up to the present day on the first three parts; and devote the fourth to the history of operetta.
“Fawkes’ text is learned and insightful, but it’s completely free of stuffiness and isn’t likely to intimidate any listener with an intermediate knowledge of classical music. Robert Powell’s reading is as confident and gentle as a guide’s should be, with good command of all the German, Italian and Russian words. Finally, the 100 musical selections - not just from the Naxos catalogue, but also including early historical recordings - are well chosen, and just the right length to illustrate the concepts.”
Audiobook Café ...
“Even more impressive than its [The History of] Classical Music companion piece, The History of Opera is particularly useful to otherwise literate people seeking an initial grounding in what Moliere called "the most expensive noise known to mankind." Like its predecessor, this baby has much to offer. Thanks, Naxos.”
La Folia ...
“This is a tour-de-force. The musical excerpts are well chosen and illuminating. Fawke's book is interesting for even those knowledgeable about opera. Robert Powell's narration is easy on the ear and engineered without that unnerving male-chest resonance often found in spoken-word discs.”
Arizona Daily Star ...
“Naxos combines classic literature with its huge archive of classic music. Some beautifully formatted tapes are the result. Naxos also has produced extraordinary survey tapes. Fawkes’ The History of Opera, narrated by Robert Powell is backed by more than 100 musical examples, including snippets of arias sung by Enrico Caruso and Fyodor Chaliapin.”
In The Groove ...
“A musical history tour which I found fascinating. This production is a true delight. Powell’s accent and pacing makes the 5 ½ hours fly by and he knows when to interject the right degree of humor in his voice. This audiobook includes over 100 excerpts to illustrate the text and all sound superb. An entertaining way to learn about the world of opera beyond Verdi, Puccini and Bizet.”
WXEL Magazine...
"Opera is the ideal subject for an audiobook, combining as it does the most interesting and informative text by Richard Fawkes, read by actor Robert Powell, many very well selected performed musical examples. I would like to lend these Naxos CDs to good friends who, I know, would enjoy them immensely. But I’m afraid I wouldn't get them back, and just like good books, these CDs will certainly be worth hearing again every few years."
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