Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

The story of Manon Lescaut has become part of the European imagination: she is the fun-loving woman who is irresistible to men. Of Massenet's many operas, she inspired the most popular one, and this libretto shows his minute attention to detail in bringing the character and the period to life. This guide opens with a general survey of Massenet's career by the musicologist Gerard Conde, and includes two essays about this particular opera. Professor Hugh Macdonald explores the interplay of speech and song in Manon and Massenet's genius for comedy. Professor Vivienne Mylne traces the sources and context of Prevost's novel. Contents: Massenet, Gerard Conde; A Musical Synopsis, Hugh Macdonald; Prevost and 'Manon Lescaut', Vivienne Mylne; Manon: Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Philippe Gille; Manon: English version by Edmund Tracey

Collection of ballets making up the Gala des Étoiles of 2015. David Coleman conducts the Teatro alla Scala in performances of, amongst others, 'La Rose Malade' by Gustav Mahler, 'The Dying Swan' by Camille Saint-Saëns and Aram Khatchaturian's 'Spartacus'.

Live performance by Azerbaijan soprano Dinara Alieva in Moscow. She performs classical works by, among others, Charpentier, Massenet and Puccini, as well as more modern pieces such as 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and ' I Could Have Danced All Night'. Constantine Orbelian conducts the Russian National Orchestra and the Grand Choir 'Masters of Choral Singing'.