Mahler, His life, Work and World
compiled and edited by Kurt Blaukopf and Herta Blaukopf with 49 illustrations. Thames & Hudson, New York. 256 pages. ISBN
0-500-28197-1, $27.50 paperback.
Singers will be happy to note that this excellent book on Mahler has been reissued in paperback. This is a compilation of letters, telegrams, diaries and explanatory text linking Mahler’s life with his work. It is organized in such a way that a singer can easily find the song or work they need and find the circumstances under which it was written. It also makes for a good read with interesting comments about the world surrounding Mahler. Blaukopf has included many informative and amusing anecdotes. Available from Amazon.com and other retailers.
Carmen, A Performance Guide
by Mary Dibbern. Pendragon, New York, 310 pages. ISBN 1-57647-032-6, $46.00 paperback.
If you are a singer, a coach, a conductor or a stage director who has an upcoming job involving the opera Carmen, you must get this book. To quote Ms. Dibbern: “Singers can use it as a reference for correct pronunciation of the spoken and sung French texts and a complete word-by-word English translation. The author has provided translations of literary sources by Prosper Mérimée that inspired the libretto, including novellas, short stories and essays that show the types of characters and events portrayed in the opera.” She has included comparisons of the different versions, a chronology of the people and events surrounding the creation of Carmen and the major research sources used to compile the book. An invaluable guide for that upcoming contract. Available from Amazon.com for list price, from CS for $43+shipping and handling at www.classicalsinger .com/store/bookshelf.html or by calling the office at 973/378-9549 ext. 13.
When the Fat Lady Sings—Opera History As It Ought To Be Taught
by David W. Barber, cartoons by Dave Donald Preface by Maureen Forrester, Forward by Anna Russell. Firefly Books, Ltd, Toronto, 144 pages, ISBN 0-920151-34-5, $16.95 paperback.
This revised and expanded edition would be a perfect Christmas gift for that person you are trying to convert to opera. It is a truthful but humorous take on what really goes on in our world, although its facetious tone and occasional misspellings might put off the already converted. Maureen Forrester, in her introduction, says that she wishes it were in the seat pockets of every airplane so when people arrived at their destination they’d say, “Let’s go to the opera!” Available at Amazon.com.
