BOOKS
It used to be thought that Verdi miscalculated with this attempt at a “grand opera” in the French style. This guide demonstrates that Don Carlos was – and remains – an extraordinary achievement in melding two opposing visions of opera: the spectacular public aspect of the French tradition with the dramatic concision of the Italian. And because of the variety of versions which Verdi sanctioned, this debate is open-ended.
Contents: A Grand Opera with a Difference, Julian Budden; Off the Beaten Track, Gilles de Van; “A Family Portrait in a Royal Household”: ‘Don Carlos’ from Schiller to Verdi, F.J. Lamport; Stendhal’s ‘Don Carlos’: “The most moving opera ever written”, by Nicholas Cronk; Don Carlos: Grand Opera in Five Acts by Joseph Méry and Camille du Locle; Don Carlo: Italian translation by Achille de Lauzières and Angelo Zanardini with additional material translated by Piero Faggioni; Don Carlos: English translation by Andrew Porter; Introduction by Jennifer Batchelor
For a full list of Calder Opera Guides in association with English National Opera click here
REVIEWS
All these will provide the new opera-goer with food for thought.
Daily Telegraph
Brilliantly produced and superb value.
Sunday Times
Wholehearted recommendation of this valuable new series.
TLS
Giuseppe Verdi
Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901) is one of Italy’s most celebrated opera composers. His best-known operas include Rigoletto, Il trovatore, La traviata and Aida.