Verdi: A Life in the Theatre - Softcover

The focus of this worthwhile biography is identified in the sub-titleVerdi's life is relation to his art. Osborne draws heavily on source documents for his portrait of the composer, emphasizing the germination, writing, and production of his 28 operas. While the sometimes-lengthy quotations are judiciously chosen and provide a fine flavor of the era's cultural, political, and intellectual climate, their sheer number tends to distract the reader. Still, Osborne is thorough and addresses definitively some problems that have plagued previous biographers. An important addition to Verdi studies, recommended for most collections. Eric W. Johnson, Univ. of Bridgeport Lib., Conn.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This is a "lively" account of the personality and achievements of a dynamic, imperious, fanatically honest cultural hero. PW predicted that Osborne's biography, which is based largely on letters to and from the 19th century composer, "will take its place as the standard work." Photos.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.