2013-2014 Opera Season Recommended Listening and Reading List

A collaboration of Pittsburgh Opera and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Music Department, with special thanks to Rebekah Hill.

Please note that there are other books, videos, DVDs, and CDs beyond this list available at the Carnegie Library and for purchase at your favorite store. Call numbers indicate holdings of the Music Department, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, unless otherwise indicated. (For more information about borrowing materials, call Music, Film, and Audio, 412-622-3105, or visit the website at http://www.carnegielibrary.org/locations/music/ )

The Music Department at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh offers an extensive collection of materials pertaining to opera, from composer biographies, studies of operas, and histories of opera, to opera libretti, opera scores, and performances on CD, VHS, and DVD. The items listed below constitute a small selection to whet

your appetite as you look forward to the live performance. Enjoy!

Aida by Giuseppe Verdi, 1813–1901

CD / DVD Are these items checked out? Not to worry, the Main Library-Oakland owns 7 other CD versions and 5 additional visual presentations of the opera!

CD Aida , Deutsche Grammophon, 1982. Ricciarelli, Obraztsova, Domingo, Nucci; Abbado, Chorus and Orchestra of La Scala COMPACT DISC Op Ver 591

CD Aida , Decca, 1987 (1962). Price, Corr, Vickers, Merrill; Solti, Chorus and Orchestra of the Opera Theater of Rome COMPACT DISC Op Ver 30606

DVD Aida , Decca, 2011 (2009). Urmana, Zajick, Botha, Guelfi; Gatti, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus (DVD) M1500.V48 A55 2011x

2013-2014 Pittsburgh Opera Recommended Listening and Reading List 1

Aida by Giuseppe Verdi, 1813–1901

DVD Aida , Hardy Classic Video, 2003 (1966). Gencer, Cossotto, Bergonzi, Colzani; Capuana, Orchestra and Chorus dell'Arena di Verona (DVD) M1500.V48 A55 2003x

Libretto Aida , Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni with English translation by Edmund Tracey. London: J. Calder; New York: Riverrun Press, 1980. Includes several essays, a guide to musical themes in the opera, and a side-by-side Italian and English translation. ML50.V484 A42 1980x

For further reading Verdi , 3rd edition by Julian Budden. Oxford, England; New York: Oxford University Press, 2008. In addition to his invaluable 3-volume set about Verdi’s operas, Budden’s biography of the composer is a wonderful resource. Budden offers a complete sketch of Verdi’s public and private life. The chapter, “Towards Grand Opera,” discusses the musical details of Aida , especially the Triumph scene in Act Two. Budden makes the case for Verdi as the master of grand opera—do you agree? ML410.V4 B9 2008

Verdi and Puccini Heroines: Dramatic Characterization in Great Soprano Roles by Geoffrey Edwards and Ryan Edwards. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2001. This father and son team explores the female characters in the later works of two giants of Italian opera. The authors use musical examples, libretti texts, and detailed plot analyses to paint a picture of each opera’s heroine. The chapter about Aida reveals how the title character struggles with competing loves of her country, her father, and her Egyptian prince, leading to a life of emotional suffering that is only freed by death. ML410.V4 E29 2001

Verdi's Aida: A Record of the Life of the Opera On and Off the Stage by Clyde T. McCants. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2006. McCants explores the opera from the perspective of a well-educated opera fanatic. He discusses the creation of the work and further explores the various world premieres and alternate versions, including Elton John’s musical. His book concludes with extensive personal reviews of recordings and visual presentations from 1906 to the present. ML410.V4 M34 2006

Verdi: A Biography by Mary Jane Phillips-Matz. Oxford, England; New York: Oxford University Press, 1993. Written with the full collaboration of the Verdi family, this biography explores the rich life of Verdi the composer, Italian nationalist, and intensely passionate friend/husband/farmer. ML410.V4 P43 1993

2013-2014 Pittsburgh Opera Recommended Listening and Reading List 2 The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1756–1791

CD / DVD Are these items checked out? Not to worry, the Main Library-Oakland owns 3 other CD versions and 4 additional visual presentations of the opera!

CD The Magic Flute , Chandos, 2005. (sung in English) Banks, Garrett, Vidal, Keenlyside, Tomlinson; Mackerras, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra COMPACT DISC Op Moz 26447

CD The Magic Flute , Deutsche Grammophon, 1997 (1964). (sung in German) Wunderlich, Lear, Peters, Fischer-Dieskau, Crass; Böhm, RIAS-Kammerchor, Berlin Philharmonic COMPACT DISC Op Moz 31216

DVD The Magic Flute , Opus Arte, 2003. (sung in German) Hartmann, Röschmann, Damrau, Keenlyside, Selig; Davis, Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera (DVD) M1500.M84 Z2 2003x

DVD The Magic Flute , Metropolitan Opera, 2006. (abridged version of opera in English) Polenzani, Huang, Miklósa, Gunn, Pape; Levine, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus (DVD) M1505.M9 Z32 2006x

Libretto Seven Mozart Librettos: A Verse Translation by J.D. McClatchy. (Libretto of The Magic Flute by Emanuel Schikaneder) New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 2011. ML49.M83 O64 2011

2013-2014 Pittsburgh Opera Recommended Listening and Reading List 3 The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1756–1791

For further reading Magic Flutes & Enchanted Forests: The Supernatural in Eighteenth-Century Musical Theater by David J. Buch. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2008. Buch’s work is an important addition to the canon of books about fairy tales and their manifestation in theater and musical dramas. The last chapter deals with supernatural elements in The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni . Buch discusses the good and evil characters, uses of magic and magical objects, and the role of the fairy tale as a commentary on society. Buch also provides a detailed analysis of the score to support his theories of how otherworldly elements are represented in Mozart’s music. ML1720.3.B83 2008

Mozart and His Operas by David Cairns. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2006. Cairns’s unique biography traces Mozart’s life and creative output through his operas. Cairns discusses how Mozart matures as an artist with each opera and writes about how his strength as a composer of great theater influences his instrumental works as well, particularly his piano concertos and string quartets. The chapter that highlights The Magic Flute describes Mozart’s desire to fully express his love of Viennese popular theater by creating a theatrical work in German that is both funny and serious. Cairns also discusses how the opera serves as a vehicle to communicate Mozart’s spiritual beliefs as a Freemason. ML410.M9 C253 2006

The Magic Flute Unveiled: Esoteric Symbolism in Mozart's Masonic Opera: An Interpretation of the Libretto and the Music by Jacques Chailley. Rochester, VT: Inner Traditions International, 1992. Chailley’s work presents the argument that Mozart’s penultimate opera is essentially a Masonic ritual set to music. He first provides a background of the creation of the work, including information about Freemasonry in eighteenth-century Vienna. The latter two sections of the book detail the Masonic elements revealed in the libretto, the characters, and the music. ML410.M9 C363 1992

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: A Biography by Piero Melograni. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007. Written during the 250 th anniversary year of Mozart’s death, Melograni’s biography is a wonderful addition to the many volumes written about the composer. Instead of in-depth musical analyses, Melograni weaves texts of Mozart’s letters throughout his narrative to create a thoroughly enjoyable account of the artist’s life. This biography is a great read for the music lover or novice. ML410.M9 M4313 2007

2013-2014 Pittsburgh Opera Recommended Listening and Reading List 4 Dark Sisters by Nico Muhly, 1981–

CD / DVD Currently, no commercial CD or DVD releases of the opera are available.

Explore recordings of Muhly’s other works through an author search in the library catalog (librarycatalog.einetwork.net/ ): “Muhly Nico” and click on the “Music CD” link under Material Type.

Libretto Currently, no published libretto is available.

For further reading nicomuhly.com Nico Muhly’s official website The official website for the composer provides a brief biography, a projects (works) list, a discography, press reviews, a performance calendar, and the composer’s personal blog. npr.org/artists/121875261/nico-muhly The Nico Muhly artist page archives interviews, features, and performances about/by the composer. vimeo.com/29481588 This brief interview was conducted around the time of the 2011 world premiere of Dark Sisters at Gotham Opera. Muhly provides insight into the creation of the work.

2013-2014 Pittsburgh Opera Recommended Listening and Reading List 5 Paul’s Case by Gregory Spears, 1977–

CD / DVD Currently, no commercial CD or DVD releases of the opera are available.

DVD Paul’s Case. This film adaptation of Willa Cather’s short story appeared on the American Short Story Collection series on PBS. The film stars Eric Roberts, Michael Higgins, and Lindsay Crouse. (DVD) PS3505.A87 P38 2005x

Libretto Currently, no published libretto is available.

For further reading gregoryspears.com/ Gregory Spears’s official website The official website for the composer provides a brief biography, works list, audio clips, press reviews, and a performance calendar.

New York Stories , edited by Diana Secker Tesdell. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. This volume of short stories set in New York City includes Willa Cather’s Paul’s Case , the story of a Pittsburgh boy who runs away to the “big city.” FICTION New [shelved in First Floor Fiction section of the Main Library]

2013-2014 Pittsburgh Opera Recommended Listening and Reading List 6 La bohème by Giacomo Puccini, 1858–1924

CD / DVD Are these items checked out? Not to worry, the Main Library-Oakland owns 12 other CD versions and 5 additional visual presentations of the opera!

CD La bohème , London, 1987 (1973). Freni, Harwood, Pavarotti, Panerai, Maffeo, Ghiaurov; Karajan, Chorus of the Deutschen Oper Berlin, Berlin Philharmonic COMPACT DISC Op Puc 8492

CD La bohème , Decca, 1999. Gheorghiu, Scano, Alagna, Keenlyside, de Candia, D’Arcangelo; Chailly, Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro alla Scala di Milano COMPACT DISC Op Puc 17087

DVD La bohème , Deutsche Grammophon, 2005 (1977). Scotto, Niska, Pavarotti, Wixell, Monk, Plishka; Levine, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus (DVD) M1500.P97 B5 2005x

DVD La bohème , Kultur, 2009 (2008). Netrebko, Cabell, Villazón, George von Bergen/Boaz Daniel, Adrian Eröd/Stéphane Degout, Vitalij Kowaljow; de Billy, Symphony Orchestra and Chorus des Bayerischen Rundfunks (DVD) M1500.P97 B5 2009x

Libretto Puccini Librettos in New English Translations by William Weaver. Garden City, NY: Anchor Books, 1966. (Libretto of La bohème by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa after the novel Scènes de la vie de Bohème by Henri Murger). Includes side-by-side Italian and English translation and a synopsis of the opera. ML49.P75 W42

2013-2014 Pittsburgh Opera Recommended Listening and Reading List 7 La bohème by Giacomo Puccini, 1858–1924

For further reading The Romantic World of Puccini: A New Critical Appraisal of the Operas by Iris J. Arnesen. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 2009. Arnesen’s book, an intriguing work, brings a fresh view of Puccini to the table. She draws comparisons between Puccini and Wagner, even calling Puccini’s operas a Rose Cycle contrasting with Wagner’s Ring. In the chapter about La bohème , the author describes the character of Mimì as the Rose—a woman devoted entirely to love who is symbolized in this opera by her beloved rose bonnet, a substitute for the flower that represents undying love. Arnesen also illuminates the differences between the characters in Murger’s novel and Puccini’s opera. ML410.P89 A66 2009

Puccini Without Excuses: A Refreshing Reassessment of the World's Most Popular Composer by William Berger. New York: Vintage Books, 2005. Berger’s treatment is a companion piece to his works about Verdi and Wagner. His writing style is witty and educational. He writes a compelling biography of the composer and a detailed account of La bohème with commentary about the plot and musical elements. His chapter about film music places Puccini firmly in popular culture, perhaps most memorably in the movie Moonstruck . A great read for the Puccini fan. ML410.P89 B46 2005

Puccini: His Life and Works by Julian Budden. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. Budden, most known for his treatment of the operas of Verdi, seems equally at home with Verdi’s fellow countryman. A brief biography gives way to in-depth analyses of all of Puccini’s operas. In the chapter on La bohème , Budden describes the opera’s creation, which was quite a bumpy ride. The members of the creative team were often at odds with one another, as illustrated by excerpts from various letters quoted by Budden. The chapter concludes with an analysis of the opera’s musical motifs. ML410.P89 B83 2002

The Complete Operas of Puccini: A Critical Guide by Charles Osborne. New York: Atheneum, 1982, © 1981. Osborne is the “go-to” man if you want detailed treatments of opera composers. He has also written books about the works of Mozart, Richard Strauss, Verdi, and Wagner. Osborne’s discussion of La bohème begins with an account of how the work was created and premiered. The middle section discusses the plot and characters and includes an excerpt from Henri Murger’s novel, Scènes de la vie de Bohème , that became the inspiration for the final act of Puccini’s opera. (Murger’s work was in fact the source material for the whole opera.) The last section outlines the work’s musical motifs. An informative work. ML410.P89 O8 1982x

2013-2014 Pittsburgh Opera Recommended Listening and Reading List 8 Orphée by Philip Glass, 1937–

CD / DVD

CD Orphée , Orange Mountain Music, 2010 (2009). Cutlip, Jarman, Saffer, MacPherson, Brennfleck, Freedman; Manson, Portland Opera Orchestra COMPACT DISC Op Gla 41830

DVD Orphée , Janus Films, 2011 (1950). Jean Cocteau’s film, based upon his own play, is the source material for Glass’s opera. The film stars Jean Marais, Marie Déa, and Maria Casarès. Cocteau’s unique use of mirrors, other special effect techniques, and jazz music creates a classic of French cinema. This Criterion Collection set includes a second disc with additional features. FRENCH DVD Orphée [shelved in the Foreign Films section of the Main Library]

Libretto Orphée: An Opera in Two Acts ; based on the scenario by Jean Cocteau; adaptation by Philip Glass; edited by Robert Brustein. New York: Dunvagen Music Publishers, 1991. qML50.G5253 O72 1993x

For further reading Writings on Glass: Essays, Interviews, Criticism by Richard Kostelanetz, editor Berkeley: University of California Press, 1999 (1997). This collection of various writings compiled with the participation of Philip Glass introduces the reader to the compositional style of the composer. Though Orphée is not among the works discussed, the third section of the book focuses on his operatic output and pieces for film and theater from 1977–1992. An extensive interview with the composer about his early musical development opens the book. ML410.G398 W75 1999

Minimalists by K. Robert Schwarz. London: Phaidon, 1996. Schwarz’s survey of the 20 th -century composers who are icons of the minimalist movement, including Philip Glass, suggests that while the early works of Glass reflected this compositional style, his later works did not. Schwarz argues that Einstein on the Beach begins a “maximalist” period for Glass that focuses on opera and music-theatre, including his Cocteau trilogy ( Orphée, La belle et la bête, Les enfants terribles). Even Glass is quoted, “for me minimalism was over by 1974.” An interesting work. ML390.S3976 1996 philipglass.com/ Philip Glass’s official website The official website for the composer provides a brief biography, a works list, and a calendar of upcoming performances of his works. The site also features “Glass Notes” in the News section, an interactive blog, and the IBM Glass Engine in the Music section which “enables deep navigation” of over 60 works. For example, you can use filters on the engine to see/hear works based upon tempo and emotion. (Note: you will need the appropriate web browser and other software to use this part of the site.) 2013-2014 Pittsburgh Opera Recommended Listening and Reading List 9 Explore more about opera online!

Opera in Video The newest addition to our electronic database collection. As described on our website, “Opera in Video allows library cardholders to watch opera on demand and free of charge. This frequently updated database contains streaming video of great operas from the Baroque period through the 20th century, as well as interviews and documentaries focusing on opera.” A valid Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh card is required. This link will get you there: http://www.carnegielibrary.org/research/music/databases.html

Oxford Music Online This resource combines the content of The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, The New Grove Dictionary of Opera, The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, The Oxford Dictionary of Music, and The Oxford Companion to Music in one place. A valid Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh card is required. This link will get you there: http://www.carnegielibrary.org/research/music/databases.html

Operabase http://www.operabase.com/index.cgi?lang=en This website allows you to search opera performance details of several international opera companies, including upcoming schedules. You can also find information on past performances of over 60,000 operas (from August 2011 and onward), biographies of specific singers, and websites of international opera houses.

OperaGlass http://opera.stanford.edu/ A great resource for plot synopses of operas, libretti, discographies, and performance histories. Links to other opera websites are also listed.

YouTube http://www.youtube.com Though YouTube is not a specific site for opera research, it really does have everything and anything as far as video and sound clips. If you use the titles of any of this season’s operas in a search, you will find several archived performances from stage productions, concerts, and more.

Visit the Pittsburgh Opera website: www.pittsburghopera.org Visit the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh website: www.carnegielibrary.org

2013-2014 Pittsburgh Opera Recommended Listening and Reading List 10