Synopses & Reviews
"Icouldn't imagine a finer or livelier guide through the world of opera. . . . [Levine] distills a lifetime of passion and insight into this immenselyenjoyable survey, and with the right comic touch to make you wonder how operaever seemed intimidating." —Thomas May, author of
Decoding WagnerDespitethe popular success of the Metropolitan Operas “Live in HD” series, operas grandworld of soaring sopranos and breathtaking baritones—of tragic Rigoletto, triumphal Sigmund, and desperate Orfeo, of faithful Figaro, heartbroken Pagliacci,and lusty Don Giovanni—remains wrapped in an aura of impenetrable esotericism.Piercing this veil of operas perceived inaccessibility, acclaimed classicalmusic critic Robert Levine extends a witty and insightfulinvitation to enjoy opera in Weep, Shudder, Die, offering a newgeneration of aficionados a priceless way to access to musics greatest achievement.
Review
“I couldnt imagine a finer or livelier guide through the world of opera than Robert Levine, for newcomers and crazed fans alike. He distills a lifetime of passion and insight into this immensely enjoyable survey, and with the right comic touch to make you wonder how opera ever seemed intimidating.” Thomas May, author of < i=""> Decoding Wagner <>
Review
“Over the course of many animated conversations, I have learned an awful lot about opera from Robert Levine. I hear his voice throughout this book - erudite, generous, musicianly, almost impossibly well-informed and often hilariously funny.” Tim Page, Pulitzer Prize-winning music critic and author of < i=""> Parallel Plays <>
Synopsis
Weep, Shudder, Die is an insightful and accessible guide to the grand art of opera for both new and longtime fans.
For too long opera was relegated to high society and perceived as stuffy and remote. But now that has changed. A new generation of opera lovers has emerged, inviting a wave of extraordinary new productions and revivals the world over.
Robert Levine has written an illuminating guide for this growing audience. With his signature wit, he examines the most famous composers and operas, from Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen to Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro and Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin, giving a sense of each opera's history and celebrating its enduring greatness.
Weep, Shudder, Die will inspire anyone who has ever been curious about opera but never knew where to start to discover one of the world's most entertaining and satisfying art forms.
About the Author
Maria Callas: A Musical Biography and the children's book The Story of the Orchestra, among others.