History Through the Opera Glass

This book is a treasure trove of connections, perspectives and yes, real history that is directly related to the world of Opera. So often Opera is seen as some rarified gallery of pretentious invented characters that seemingly interact only in the most insane of plot contrivances. Mr Jellinek's book firmly resists this outlook and reaffirms one of the best kept secrets of the world of Opera and that is that Opera composers and to some extant their librettists, were simply trying to retell the stories of private lives that inhabit the history that belongs to us all. The book is not an easy read and not one you must read cover to cover. It is a highly useful terrifically engaging reference for every level of Opera goer, from the "only curious" to the student of music, to every board member of every Opera house in the world. Thank you George!