A Guide to Opera Recordings

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book - But not for Everyone
Review: This is one of my favorite books about opera recordings. Mordden is writing specifically for opera conoisseurs and this book is probably not for the first-comers, but if you are already acquainted with many operas and their recordings, this book is a treat. The book follows the history of opera on recordings with a particular emphasis on several key composers, and Mordden discusses the most important historical live or studio recordings from a very personal perspective. You can clearly see his preferences (e.g. Callas), and dislikes, but as you read his reviews, you can really feel that he has really experienced and thought about the performances he analyses. One may disagree with some reviews, but they all offer a new perspective. I have been rereading this book for the last ten or so years, and particularly like his thoughts on "Norma" and the "Ring" recordings. Once again, if you have had enough of superficial "opera for beginners" books and want something deeper and more rewarding, you should get this book.