Opera Choruses is a collection of 35 classic opera choruses, skilfully arranged as separate concert works, all with excellent English singing translations and practical keyboard reductions.The accompanying orchestral material for all titles in the collection is available on hire.Some items from this volume are available separately as leaflets in the Oxford Choral Classics Octavo series. Read more

Experience the passion and drama of the world's greatest operas with this sumptuously illustrated visual guide.Immerse yourself in more than 400 years of the world's most celebrated operas and discover the fascinating stories behind them. Explore the lives of singers such as Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, and Jonas Kaufmann. Meet composers like Mozart, Wagner, and Britten, and the librettists with whom they collaborated to create the magical blend of words and music that make up opera.From its origins in the 17th-century courts of Italy to live screenings in public spaces today, Opera: The Definitive Illustrated Story follows the history of opera from Monteverdi's L'Orfeo in 1607, to Cosi fan Tutte, La Bohème, and modern operas such as Brokeback Mountain. It explains musical terminology, traces historical developments, and sets everything in cultural context.This awe-inspiring opera book further features:-Includes all of the most important operas from the Renaissance to the 21st century-Profiles the key composers, librettists, performers, and companies, with details of their lives, works, and influence-Arranged in chronological order to show the evolution of the genre-Clear, informative explanation of musical terminology and different types of operaFilled with photographs of all the key figures and performances, this book revels in the sets and costumes that make up the grand spectacle of opera. It also explores the great opera houses of the world, such as La Scala, Milan, the Met in New York, and the Sydney Opera House. Opera: The Definitive Illustrated Story is the essential book for anyone who wants to understand and enjoy the constantly evolving world of this beloved art form.Did you know that there are more than 25,000 opera performances per year worldwide? Opera: The Definitive Illustrated Story can be regarded as the most lavishly illustrated history of opera currently available, covering all of the most important operas from the Renaissance to the 21st century, and is completely global in scope. A must-have volume for opera buffs, whether as a gift or self-purchase, if you're a music lover looking for an accessible introduction to opera, then this is the book for you! Read more

Are you tired of searching for piano sheet music that is both challenging and enjoyable to play? Are you looking for high-quality classical pieces that are adapted to your skill level? Look no further than our new piano book, designed specifically for intermediate learners like yourself.In this book you will get:65 SIMPLIFIED CLASSICAL PIANO PIECES — All songs have been specifically arranged for learners. They are simple yet challenging, providing enjoyable playing experience while still offering opportunities for growth and development.HELPFUL FINGERINGS – In addition, helpful but not obtrusive fingering is provided. This will allow you to play otherwise complicated but beautiful melodies without any trouble.DIVERSE COLLECTION – From Mozart to Beethoven, from the timeless classics to lesser-known gems, this book includes a diverse range of classical pieces that will expose you to a variety of musical styles and techniques. This will allow you to expand your musical horizons and develop your skills as a pianist.CLEAR LAYOUT AND LARGE PRINT – We know that sheet music with clear and easy-to-read layout is essential for playing the piano. That is why, this book has been designed with large print and clear notations, making it easy for you to read and follow along each piece.FREE DOWNLOADABLE AUDIO FILES – Do you want to get an idea of what a piece should sound like? If you are unsure how to play a piece, our audio files will help you get a feel for the melody and help you develop your sense of timing, expression, and dynamics.With its carefully selected and adapted classical pieces, free audio files, and clear layout, this book is the perfect choice for any pianist looking to improve their skills and expand their musical horizons.Buy this book now and enter the sophisticated world of classical piano music!Ideal also as a wonderful birthday present or Christmas gift for piano lovers, aspiring pianists and piano teachers!Some of the songs included in this book: Bach's Favorites:Air on the G String (Suite No. 3 in D Major)Prelude in C MajorToccata and Fugue in D Minor Beethoven's Masterworks:Moonlight Sonata (First Movement)Für EliseSymphony No. 5 ("Fate") First MovementOde to Joy (Symphony No. 9) Mozart's Greatest:Turkish MarchSymphony No. 40Eine Kleine NachtmusikLacrimosa (from Requiem) Tchaikovsky's Beloved:Waltz of the Flowers (Nutcracker)Dance of the Sugar Plum FairyPiano Concerto No. 1Swan Lake Theme1812 Overture Debussy's Impressions:Clair de LuneThe Girl with the Flaxen Hair Ravel:Boléro Dvořák:Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"HumoresqueStrauss II:The Blue DanubeVoices of SpringGrieg:In the Hall of the Mountain KingMorning MoodVerdi:La donna è mobile (Rigoletto)Dies Irae (Requiem)Vivaldi:The Four Seasons (especially "Spring") Brahms:Hungarian Dance No. 5Lullaby Saint-Saëns:The SwanDanse Macabre Scott Joplin:The EntertainerMaple Leaf RagAnd many more songs in the book! Read more

The bestselling 30-Second… series takes a revolutionary approach to learning about those subjects you feel you should really understand. Each title selects a popular topic and dissects it into the 50 most significant ideas at its heart. Every idea, no matter how complex, is explained in 300 words and one image, all digestible in just 30 seconds.  Live operatic performance was once part of popular culture yet in modern times it has become caricatured as exclusive, overwhelming and, often, very very long. 30-Second Opera raises the curtain so that anyone can enjoy opera, classical or contemporary, without the elitism. Compiled by opera buffs, not the bourgeoisie, it serves up all you need to enjoy the spectacle, the music, and above all the voices – from Farinelli to femme fatale.    Read more

The witches of the Discworld are back! An hysterical exploration of the magical world of the opera, brimming with Sir Terry Pratchett's stylish wit'Pratchett uses his other world to hold up a distorting mirror to our own' The TimesTHE SHOW MUST GO ON, AS MURDER, MUSIC AND MAYHEM RUN RIOT IN THE NIGHT...The Opera House, Ankh-Morpork... A huge, rambling building, where innocent young sopranos are lured to their destiny by a strangely familiar evil mastermind in a hideously deformed evening dress...At least, he hopes so. But Granny Weatherwax, Discworld's most famous witch, is in the audience. And she doesn't hold with that sort of thing.So there's going to be trouble (but nevertheless a good evening's entertainment with murders you can really hum...)Readers love Maskerade:'This book had me sniggering and even laughing out loud every 20 pages or so, it truly was an excellent novel, and for the time being, my favourite characters? Well it has to be the Witches' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'This one was as usual laugh out loud funny. Granny Weatherwax is a wonderful character and then Death made several cameo appearances too which is always good. Pratchett was a master of parody' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'This book contains some of the best Pratchett quotes ever regarding all sorts of topics from people in power, money and fate to general human nature' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'An unexpected favourite from the series so far, I loved every page' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'Every bit of the story is comic, from Nanny Ogg's obscene recipes to the transformation of Greebo the cat into Lord Gribeaux. Esme Weatherwax is just as wise and cranky as ever' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Read more

Since the first performance of the first opera in 1600, operas have been telling stories from myth and history. This book - beginning with the Creation and ending in the present day - is a chronology of myth and history as told in opera. Over 260 paintings and photographs, most in colour, accompany the narrative.Why were particular myths and historical events important at particular times? Why were the same myths and historical events told in radically different ways? In seeking answers to these questions, this book charts how the modern West migrated from autocracy towards liberal democracy, from theocratic absolutism towards tolerant pluralism, from sexism towards gender equality. It traces growing scepticism about religiously inspired warfare and colonial empire building.Unlike anything previously published, this is a book for lovers of history and the arts, and for anyone interested in how the western world of today came into being. By exploring a bewitchingly beautiful art form, it chronicles a sequence of extraordinary transformations: the political, religious and social revolutions that created the modern West. Read more

The streets of Covent Garden tell a fascinating history of London life over the centuries. One of the first examples of town planning, the earliest inhabitants were the social elite living in grand houses looking out onto a continental-style piazza. Following the money came the street traders whose successors transformed Covent Garden into one of the world's largest fruit and vegetable markets.With the birth of the Market came an influx of writers, actors and artists whose bohemian lives gave Covent Garden a reputation as an intellectual powerhouse alongside a low life of crime and prostitution.Covent Garden & Strand pulsate with as much life and energy today as they did during their 400-year history. Tourists have replaced market traders, and characterful pubs have succeeded gin palaces. The coffee houses of the 17th and 18th centuries were bawdier places than the modern equivalent, but eating, drinking, and entertainment remain at the heart of this dynamic quarter.Popular historian Barry Turner brings alive the characters, from aristocrats to costermongers, who have shaped Covent Garden and its world-famous Market. Read more

From the wonderful and bestselling biographer, Anne Edwards, comes a frank biography of Callas, the great and dramatic opera diva. Read more

The hidden history of the women who dared to write music in a man’s world. ‘Lucid, engaging and exuberant... [Sounds and Sweet Airs] is terrifically enjoyable and accessible, and leaves one hankering for a second volume.’ The Sunday Times Francesca Caccini. Barbara Strozzi. Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre. Marianna Martines. Fanny Hensel. Clara Schumann. Lili Boulanger. Elizabeth Maconchy. Since the birth of classical music, women who dared compose have faced a bitter struggle to be heard. In spite of this, female composers continued to create, inspire and challenge. Yet even today so much of their work languishes unheard. Anna Beer reveals the highs and lows experienced by eight composers across the centuries, from Renaissance Florence to twentieth-century London, restoring to their rightful place exceptional women whom history has forgotten. Read more

Told he would never sing again, now he's back for his Encore.'A unique story - told from the heart, with humour and warmth'. Aled Jones'An emotional read - his personal story is more powerful than that high note in "Nessun Dorma"'. Vernon KayRussell Watson was at the peak of his success as a much-loved classical singer. He had gone from humble beginnings, working in a factory making nuts and bolts in Salford to singing in working men's clubs to performing to stadiums filled with thousands of fans. But then tragedy struck. In 2006 and 2007 he was diagnosed with two brain tumours. In the subsequent years he battled crippling treatment, lifesaving operations, HRT therapy and mental health struggles. Doctors told him he would never sing in the same way again. Russell was determined to defy the odds and fight his way back - not only to recovery but also to finding his voice again. Now he is singing better than ever, performing internationally again and continues his work as a successful recording artist. In Encore he tells his remarkable story of triumph over tragedy and the resilience he built along the way. Read more

Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra exists in two versions: that of the 1857 original and that of the 1881 revision. The texts of the libretto of both versions are included in this guide, with a number of essays which focus on the differences between the two. Rodolfo Celleti provides the story’s historical context, setting the events of the real life of Simon Boccanegra against the unification of Italy, which formed the political backdrop to the composition of both versions of Verdi’s opera. James A. Hepokoski gives a detailed synopsis of the 1881 score, and indicates the ways in which Verdi radically revised the original and reworked it to fit his late style. Lastly, Desmond Shawe-Taylor discusses Verdi’s attitude to his singers, and the critical reception that performances of both versions of the opera received. This edition contains over twenty illustrations, a thematic guide and the texts of the libretti in the original with literal translations. There is also a bibilography, discography and DVD guide, together with a list of websites that will allow the reader to explore the opera further. Contents: An Historical Perspective, Rodolfo Celletti; An Introduction to the 1881 Score, James Hepokoski; Verdi and his Singers, Desmond Shawe-Taylor; Simon Boccanegra: Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave with additions by Giuseppe Montanelli and additions and alterations by Arrigo Boito; Simon Boccanegra: English translation by James Fenton Read more

An opera with instrumental parts for strings, keyboard continuo, plus optional guitar for dancesThis edition, with English and German texts, is based on that by Edward Dent (first published in 1925), but includes more recent scholarship. The preface presents a history of the work. The score is both scholarly and practical for performers. Read more

Abbate and Parker's A History of Opera is the first full new history of opera in sixty years - now in paperback in an updated second edition'The best single volume ever written on the subject' The Times Literary SupplementWhy has opera transfixed and fascinated audiences for centuries? Carolyn Abbate and Roger Parker answer this question in their scrupulous and provocative retelling of the history of opera, examining its development, the means by which it communicates, and its societal role. In a new revision with an expanded examination of opera as an institution in the twenty-first century this book explores the tensions that have sustained opera over 400 years: between words and music, character and singer, inattention and absorption. Abbate and Parker argue that, though the genre's most popular and enduring works were almost all written in a distant European past, opera continues to transform the viewer with its enduring power. Read more

The Amazon No. 1 Bestseller'A beautiful and important book.' — Marina Mahler'Highly recommended' — Société Gustav Mahler France'A book that sends you back to listen again to music you thought you knew, with fresh insight and understanding.' — Tim Ashley, Guardian'Masterfully paced, just the right balance of continuous narrative and individual essays, all framed in beautiful writing. Can’t recommend it highly enough!' — Brian McCreath, WCRB Classical Radio Boston'One does not expect a book on music to be this philosophically erudite. [The] use of language is masterful. […] It's an enormous achievement. An essential book.' — Jeffrey A. Tucker'This is an important contribution to the Mahler bibliography. David Vernon has written a perceptive, insightful and thought-provoking book. Mahler devotees will find much in its pages to enhance their understanding of these ever-fascinating works in which we can always find something new to excite us. […] Vernon has a deep knowledge of the symphonies – and a great enthusiasm for them. His descriptions of the works are detailed and, clearly, the product of extensive and careful listening – as well as wide reading around his subject. He can bring the music to life through vivid and enthusiastic turns of phrase.' — MusicWeb InternationalGustav Mahler wrote some of the most challenging and cherished music of all time: eleven extraordinary symphonies that continue to fascinate, intrigue and infuriate music lovers around the world.In his dazzling new book, David Vernon — author of Disturbing the Universe: Wagner's Musikdrama — celebrates these vast but often very private works of art. In stimulating prose, he investigates their theatricality and grandeur, as well as their poetry and intimacy, examining the personal, philosophical and musical influences which shaped their creation.Each symphony, including Das Lied von der Erde and the unfinished Tenth, is given its own chapter, which also includes a detailed guide to the music, movement by movement.Above all, this is a book that recognizes the importance of Mahler in musical and cultural history and takes us far into both his creative processes and the works themselves.WITH A FOREWORD BY MARINA MAHLER Read more

Have you ever heard the beauty and power of an opera voice or felt moved by a story told in a language you don't even know? Highlighting 165 works and their composers, this guide is a perfect introduction to opera - one of the world's most dramatic art forms. This illustrated book is packed full of photography to showcase the greatest operas and will take you on a journey through the history of opera itself.Discover the basics: how opera developed, types of voices, and theatrical staging - including a look at stunning opera houses around the globe. See the composers who first moulded the art form and those who made it their own. Enjoy 400 years of musical drama from late-Renaissance Italy to works from contemporary names, and immerse yourself in the stories of more than 160 operas - including Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), Carmen, La Bohème, and Madama Butterfly - through act-by-act synopses.With operatic works throughout history organised by geographical region, Opera is essential reading, whether you are a season ticket-holder looking for a quick brush-up before a performance, or new to opera and want to know more. Read more

The book is brand new and will be dispatched from UK. Read more

'In ancient tales many marvels are told us ... now you may hear such marvels told!'The greatest of the heroic epics to emerge from medieval Germany, the Nibelungenlied is a revenge saga of sweeping dimensions. It tells of the dragon-slayer Sivrit, and the mysterious kingdom of the Nibelungs with its priceless treasure-hoard guarded by dwarves and giants, of Prünhilt the Amazonian queen, fortune-telling water-sprites and a cloak of invisibility. Driven by the conflict between Kriemhilt, the innocent maiden turned she-devil, and her antagonist, the stoic, indomitable Hagen, the story is one of human tragedy, of love, jealousy, murder, and revenge, ending in slaughter on a horrific scale. The work of an anonymous poet of c.1200, since its rediscovery in the eighteenth century the Nibelungenlied has come to be regarded as the national epic of the Germans. It has inspired countless reworkings and adaptations, including two masterpieces: Fritz Lang's two-part film, and Richard Wagner's Ring cycle.This is the first prose translation for over forty years: accurate and compelling, it is accompanied by a wealth of useful background information. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more. Read more

KOBBE'S COMPLETE OPERA BOOK has been the opera-lover's bible from its first appearance in its seventy-fifth year, it has been subjected to the most thorough revision in its history. THE NEW KOBBE'S OPERA BOOK has been redesigned and extended, numerous existing entries have been completely rewritten, and the book now incorporates some 200 new operas. The total number of works covered is now nearly 500, including important new works like John Adams' NIXON IN CHINA, Harrison Birtwistle's GAWAIN and Thomas Ades's POWDER HER FACE, and a number of half-forgotten works that are now undergoing revival. 46 new composers are featured. Lord Harewood's strongly individual commentaries, together with his unparalleled knowledge of and enthusiasm for opera, are complemented by substantial contributions from his co-editor Antony Peattie. The NEW KOBBE is a guide in volume to virtually every opera the reader is likely to come across. Read more

This mint, First Edition, paperback, The Royal Opera House, London, 1982, has glossy pictorial covers. The book size is 8.25Ó w x 11.75Ó h with an index and 128 pristine pages. ISBN 0946338019. Read more

(Opera). German/English. Read more