The book of 101 opera librettos : complete original language texts with English translations

Paper Book, 1996

Status

Available

Publication

New York : Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 1996.

Description

"The most comprehensive one-volume collection of unabridged opera lyrics ever published. It features virtually all of the operas that are being performed in the foremost opera houses and concert halls today. The text is presented in its original language as well as in an English translation. To enrich the experience, a short synopsis precedes each libretto. 101 Opera Librettos is indispensable for opera lovers and everyone curious about the literary richness of the worlds most beloved vocal musical performances."--The publisher. Contrary to the title and publisher's notes, the original Russian texts of the operas of Borodin, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky are not included, French or German or Italian having been substituted; the original Czech text of Smetana's Bohemian opera The Bartered Bride is also not included but substituted with a German version. - TNH Cataloging.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member therebelprince
While I agree with the effusive reviews already here, it must be noted that many of these librettos are (understandably) translations which could be found cheaply or out of copyright. Of course they have come from reputable sources, including record companies like EMI and production companies such
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as the Metropolitan. Nevertheless, individual lines or translations may be too overly poetic or fruity for some tastes, others may be too prosaic in the other direction.

There is no solution to this, and I offer it only as a caveat. Overall this book is highly worthwhile. There is nothing available that is remotely like it, offering the complete original text and English translation for so many worthwhile operas. In these days when the CD booklet has given way to the digital streaming service which provides no such text, there is a real dearth of information that I fear will limit accessibility to newer generations and audiences. This book is part of the solution.
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Subjects

Original language

English
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