This Companion provides a biographical, theatrical, and social-cultural background for Verdi's operas, examines in detail important general aspects of its style and method of composing, and synthesizes stylistic themes in discussions of representative works. Aspects of Verdi's milieu, style, creative process, and critical reception are explored in essays by highly reputed specialists. Like others in the series this Companion is aimed primarily at students and opera lovers.
A gripping adventure unfolds as the first American/Jewish Pope teams up with unlikely allies, including the Italian Mafia's leader, a U.S. Senator, a young Jesuit priest, and a covert military operative. Their mission is to thwart drug cartels targeting children, leading to a series of unexpected twists and turns. This mystical suspense novel promises a thrilling ride, culminating in a stunning conclusion that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Perfect for fans of suspenseful storytelling.
Often considered the father of twentieth-century music, Debussy was a visionary whose influence is still felt. This book offers a wide-ranging series of essays on Debussy the man, the musician and composer. It contains insights into his character, his relationship to his Parisian environment and his musical works across all genres, with challenging views on the roles of nature and eroticism in his life and music. His music is considered through the characteristic themes of sonority, rhythm, tonality and form, with closing chapters considering the performance and reception of his music in the first years of the new century and our view of Debussy today as a major force in Western culture. This comprehensive view of Debussy is written by a team of specialists for students and informed music lovers.
Culturally significant, this work has been preserved to reflect its original form, including copyright references and library stamps that highlight its historical importance. It serves as a vital part of the knowledge base of civilization, offering insights into the context and significance of the original artifact. The reproduction aims to maintain fidelity to the source material, allowing readers to engage with an essential piece of literary history.
The book is recognized for its significant impact on human history, leading to efforts for its preservation and modern republication. This initiative ensures that its valuable insights and contributions remain accessible to both current and future generations, highlighting its enduring relevance.
The plot revolves around detective Michael Brand, who is hired by the widow of Jamieson Stone, a renowned news anchor believed to have committed suicide on live TV. As Brand investigates, he uncovers evidence of murder linked to a conspiracy involving rogue generals from Russia, China, and the U.S. who aim to install a mind-control weapon on the international space station. With the widow's assistance and support from the mafia and covert operatives, Brand races against time to thwart their dangerous plan.
With its innovative blend of music, song, drama, myth, mime, and electronics, this opera has significantly influenced the evolution of lyrical theatre since World War II. Recognized for pushing creative boundaries, it has garnered extensive critical acclaim, marking it as a pivotal work in contemporary opera.
Focusing on Igor Stravinsky's significant influence on 20th-century music, the book delves into his technical and aesthetic legacy as it relates to various composers, including Varèse and Messiaen. Jonathan Cross offers a fresh perspective on Stravinsky's neoclassical works and critiques, particularly addressing Theodor Adorno's views. Blending historical context, analytical insights, and aesthetic considerations, this work serves as a valuable resource for those interested in contemporary music and its evolution.
"Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was perhaps the twentieth century's most feted composer, a leading light of modernism and a restlessly creative artist. This book traces the story of Stravinsky's life and work, setting him in the context of the turbulent times in which he lived. Born in Russia, Stravinsky spent most of his life in exile -- and while he swiftly became a cosmopolitan figure, the discomfort of estrangement nonetheless left its mark both on the man and on his work, in the form of an ever-present sense of loss and nostalgia. In this engaging critical biography, Jonathan Cross charts Stravinsky's work over the course of decades spent in Paris, Los Angeles and elsewhere, in an artistic circle that included Joyce, Picasso and Proust, and which culminated in Stravinsky being celebrated by both the White House and the Kremlin as one of the great artistic forces of the era. A celebrity composer in an increasingly celebrity-obsessed age, Stravinsky's extraordinary music reflected and shaped his own times, and still resonates with today's audiences. Approachable and absorbing, Igor Stravinsky tells of a colourful life lived against the backdrop of the twentieth century's wars and revolutions."--Back cover.
Work your way through this self-help guide and discover for yourself the power of assuming things will be easier than you thought in a journey of the absurd. These could be some of the most insightful, poignant and ridiculous words ever written by a furry household pet.