BOOKS
In this guide, Julian Budden reviews the difficulties that faced the management that had commissioned La traviata and how, in some previously unpublished letters, Verdi fought their views on casting the leading lady. Denis Arnold contributes a musical commentary. April FitzLyon discusses the social background of the “lady of the camellias” in fact, fiction and on the stage, and Nicholas John compares the libretto with the play to show how skilfully it was adapted for the operatic stage.
Contents: Introduction, Nicholas John; Verdi and the Singers for ‘La Traviata’, Julian Budden; La Traviata: from Real Life to Opera, Denis Arnold; Alexandre Dumas the Younger and ‘La Dame aux camélias’, April FitzLyon; An Introduction to the Libretto, Nicholas John; La traviata: Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave; La traviata: English Translation by Edmund Tracey
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.
The 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.