Puccini's opera "Tosca" is based on a play by Victorien Sardou, which the composer saw in Milan with the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt. The story is partly set during the time of Napoleon and revolves around the tragedy of the renowned singer Floria Tosca. After much effort, Puccini secured Sardou's approval for an opera based on this narrative, leading to the premiere of "Tosca" in Rome in 1900, which was a resounding success for the composer. The text juxtaposes the Italian libretto with a widely used German translation, providing insights into the musical and dramatic elements of the opera, including compositional structure and thematic connections. A brief summary of the plot, an overview of its creation, and discussions of the themes and story place the work within the broader context of the composer's oeuvre and biography, offering a comprehensive and richly illustrated introduction.
Bibliothèque de l'Opéra Black Dog Séries
Cette série offre une introduction fascinante au monde de l'opéra, visant à démystifier cette forme d'art pour un large public. Elle explique clairement les œuvres lyriques clés, leurs contextes historiques et leur signification musicale. La collection sert d'introduction idéale pour les nouveaux venus à l'opéra ou pour ceux qui cherchent à approfondir leur compréhension. Chaque volume est méticuleusement conçu pour être à la fois informatif et captivant.
La traviata est une œuvre en trois actes de Giuseppe Verdi, basée sur un livret de Francesco Maria Piave, inspiré de la pièce d'Alexandre Dumas (fils) La dame aux camélias. Elle fait partie de la "trilogie populaire" avec Il trovatore et Rigoletto. Composée en partie à la villa des éditeurs Ricordi à Cadenabbia, sur le lac de Côme, elle a fait ses débuts au Teatro La Fenice de Venise le 6 mars 1853, mais a initialement échoué en raison d'interprètes inadaptés et de la délicatesse du thème. Reprise l'année suivante avec une distribution améliorée, elle a enfin obtenu le succès mérité. En raison des critiques à l'égard de la société bourgeoise, l'œuvre a subi des modifications de la censure dans divers théâtres italiens, avec certains passages altérés et un changement de l'implantation du XIXe au XVIIIe siècle.
Der Fliegende Holländer (the Flying Dutchman)
- 200pages
- 7 heures de lecture
English National Opera Guides are ideal companions to the opera. They provide stimulating introductory articles together with the complete text of each opera in English and the original.
This paperback edition features a new art cover and includes a study score, making it a valuable resource for students and music enthusiasts alike.
The Marriage Of Figaro (Book And CDs)
- 144pages
- 6 heures de lecture
The Black Dog Opera Library is the best, easiest, and most informative and budget-friendly way to enjoy four of the greatest operas of all time. Each book includes the complete Opera on 2 CDs and the complete libretto in its original language and English translation!
"Il Trovatore" is considered the epitome of romantic Italian opera. During Verdi's lifetime, it was one of his most popular works, quickly performed on stages after its premiere in 1853 in Rome. The opera is celebrated for its tumultuous and powerful music, which continues to captivate audiences today. The libretto, written by Salvadore Cammarano and based on the play "El Trovador" by Antonio García Gutiérrez, showcases themes of love, revenge, and the complexities of fate, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and familial conflict. The dramatic narrative unfolds through a series of intense and emotionally charged arias, duets, and choruses, making it a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire. The enduring appeal of "Il Trovatore" lies in its ability to convey deep human emotions through its rich musical landscape.