The Great Opera Stars in Historic Photographs: 343 Portraits from the 1850's to the 1940's

Rating:
Summary: The Title Speaks for Itself
Review: As the title states, this is a collection of historic photos (all black and white) of pre-1950 opera stars. These are high quality prints in a soft-cover volume. The photos contain very brief biographical sketches of the subjects, including dates, voice classification and area of principle activity. This is an invaluable tool for the historic opera buff. While some of the photos are standard issue, most are unique or from the author's personal collection. Now, when you hear the names Caruso, Ruffo, Pinza, Ponselle, Melba, etc., you can see what these great singers looked like -- usually in full costume.

Rating:
Summary: A glimpse of the glittering, forgotten past
Review: Opera used to really matter--and all important thinking persons weighed in on their favorite music and singers. James Joyce sang with McCormack. Nietzsche partied with Wagner. And these are some of the stars they fetishistically worshipped!

Rating:
Summary: A glimpse of the glittering, forgotten past
Review: Opera used to really matter--and all important thinking persons weighed in on their favorite music and singers. James Joyce sang with McCormack. Nietzsche partied with Wagner. And these are some of the stars they fetishistically worshipped!