A Season of Opera: From Orpheus to Ariadne

Rating:
Summary: An insightful guide to why opera music resonates still today
Review: A collection of essays that will add insight for the devoted opera fan as well as have those approaching opera for the first time running to the CD store to hear the music discussed.

The central theme is that opera is about music translating myths into forms and personna that we can hear and respond to today. The author's classical studies and study of modern society's ways of dealing with the issues meet and focus on the works discussed.

And added bonus is the most intelligent and precise discussion of Porgy and Bess that places the work exactly in our culture. This essay is a must read for anyone contemplating mounting a production.