Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

(Music Minus One). In late 1779, Mozart penned this delectable classic, which stands as the only remaining Mozart composition in this form, incorporating both symphonic and concerto styles. It features wonderful parts for both violin and viola against Mozart's incomparably brilliant writing and orchestration. We have also included two wonderful Mozart bon-bons, The E-major Adagio, KV261; and the C-major Rondo, KV373. A magical and exciting experience to perform this alongside virtuoso Jurgen Klos at the viola and Les Orpheistes Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Joel Mathias Jenny. A classic not to be missed by any violinist The price of this book includes a unique code that provides access to audio tracks online, for download or streaming. The tracks include PLAYBACK], a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right available exclusively from Hal Leonard.

John Wells introduces the opera with a high-spirited account of the action-packed career of the author, in many respects the prototype of Figaro himself. Basil Deane explores the score: he shows that Mozart’s characters are illuminated here not so much in soliloquies but in their reactions to each other. Composer Stephen Oliver discusses how the comedy exists not just in the words but, essentially, in the music. The full Italian text is given, with a note on the order of scenes in Act Three and the alternative passages Mozart wrote for the 1789 revival. The classic translation of E. J. Dent is an excellent way to get to know the twists and turns of the plot and the stylish wit of da Ponte’s innuendos. Contents: A Society Marriage, John Wells; A Musical Commentary, Basil Deane; Music and Comedy in ‘The Marriage of Figaro, Stephen Oliver; Beaumarchais’s Characters; Le nozze di Figaro: Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte; The Marriage of Figaro: English version by Edward J. Dent

With his last opera Mozart created a piece of theatre which defies categorization. In theory it is a Singspiel, a mixture of songs and dialogue, in which the spectacular effects and comedy fit naturally: they appeal today as much as they did when it first opened in a popular Viennese theatre two hundred years ago. Rodney Milnes recalls some of the other pieces playing at the time, such as Kaspar the Bassonist, or The Magic Zither. On the other hand, it belongs to a tradition of Enlightenment texts in which a young prince, destined to be a ruler, learns from his adventures how to behave wisely as a social being. This is a re-working of the Orpheus myth, in the context of the Age of Reason and Freemasonry. David Cairns describes the many beauties of the score in loving detail, taking the reader through the complex plot, to clarify and interpret it. Famous commentaries by Goethe, Berlioz, E. T. A. Hoffmann and G. B. Shaw reveal their enthusiasm for the opera. A useful and unusual feature of this guide is the complete dialogue, in German with an English translation, which is often badly cut in performance. Like so many fairy tales, The Magic Flute repays careful attention: its music has a charm to inspire the child in every listener. Contents: Synopsis; ‘Singspiel and Symbolism’, Rodney Milnes; ‘A Vision of Reconciliation’ David Cairns; ‘A Public for Mozart’s Last Opera’ Nicholas John; Die Zauberflöte: Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder and Carl Ludwig Giesecke; The Magic Flute: Lyrics by Michael Geliot, Dialogue by Anthony Besch

The Black Dog Opera Library is the best, easiest and most informative and budget-friendly way to enjoy four of the greatest operas of all time. Finally available again, and packaged with gorgeous new covers, each book in the library includes the complete opera on 2 CDs, featuring world-class performances and orchestras; the complete libretto, plus its English translation; an exciting history of the opera; a biography of the composer; a synopsis of the story, broken down by act and scene; and dozens of photographs and drawings depicting performances, singers, sets, costumes, and more. The Marriage of Figaro features Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Heather Harper, Judith Blegen, Geraint Evans, Teresa Berganza, and Birgit Finnil?, with Daniel Barenboim conducting the English Chamber Orchestra. Also available:La Boh?me featuring Nicolai Gedda and Mirella Freni, with Thomas Schippers conducting the Orchestro e Coro del Teatro dell'Opera di Roma;? Carmen featuring Grace Bumbry, Jon Vickers, Mirella Freni, and Kostas Paskalis, with Rafael Fru?beck de Burgos conducting the Orchestra of the Th??tre National de l'Op?ra. La Traviata featuring Beverly Sills, Nicolai Gedda, and Rolando Panerai, with Aldo Ceccato conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Listen. Enjoy. Learn.