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Complete Opera on 2 CDs, Black Dog Opera Library presents one of the easiest, most popular, most informative ways to enjoy great opera.
In this kit you will find:
• The complete opera on two CDs featuring Renata Scotto, Carlo Bergonzi, Rolando Panerai, and Sir John Barbirolli conducting the Orchestra e Coro del Teatro dell'Opera di Roma.
• The full libretto in its original language and in the English translation complete with annotations that enhance our understanding and enjoyment of the story and the music.
• An exciting history of the opera and a synopsis of the storyof the opera broken down by act and scene.
• Dozens of photographs and drawings depicting performances, singers, stage sets and more.
Listen. Enjoy. Learn.
Published by Black Dog and Leventhal.
Product reviews...
Review by: diogenes
Dated: 11th of June, 2006
Madama Butterfly, released by Black Dog and Leventhal is a book and a CD combination.
The book starts by introducing the composer and a brief biography of his life. Followed by a breakdown of the story, act-by-act. There is also short biographies of the major artists involved in this production. The major section of the book is the libretto, published both in the original Italian, and translated into English. Thoughtfully, the edge of the libretto is coloured so one can turn to the libretto quickly and easily.
Richly illustrated in photographs of the composer and librettists, the singers and other main people concerned with the opera litter the pages. Present are some illustrations from the 1904 premiere.
The CD itself is a 1966 recording of Sir John Barbirolli's only recording of this opera (and of only two operas he conducted) with a whole host of big-name singers of the day. The recording has exceptional clarity and exudes the sheer beauty that Puccini intended Butterfly to be. The strength of voice of Pinkerton makes it a sheer pleasure to listen to, the gentle voice of Butterfly is convincing in its subtle beauty.
This release is aimed very much at people who wish to get a greater understanding of the Opera, and it serves it purpose admirably. I have no complaints or criticisms. It sets out to do two things: educate and entertain; on those point alone, Black Dog and Leventhal are onto a winner, because they have succeeded.
Well done chaps.
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