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Books > Arts & Architecture > Music > Western music, periods & styles > General
Up-to-date, authoritative, and accessible, this is the best Mozart
opera guide available This wise and friendly guide to Mozart's
operas encompasses the full range of his most popular works-Figaro,
Don Giovanni, Cosi, Magic Flute, Seraglio, Clemenza di Tito-as well
as lesser known works like Mitridate and Il re Pastore. Music
historian Mary Hunter provides a lively introduction to each opera
for any listener who has enjoyed a performance, either on the stage
or in a video recording, and who wishes to understand the opera
more fully. The Companion includes a synopsis and commentary on
each work, as well as background information on the three main
genres in which Mozart wrote: opera seria, opera buffa, and
Singspiel. An essay on the "anatomy" of a Mozart opera points out
the musical conventions with which the composer worked and suggests
nontechnical ways to think about his musical choices. The book also
places modern productions of the operas in historical context and
explores how modern directors, producers, and conductors present
Mozart's works today. Filled with factual information and
interesting issues to ponder while watching a performance, this
guide will appeal to newcomers and seasoned opera aficionados
alike.
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