Little Book of Opera

the long version

The Little Book of Opera celebrates the sublime marriage of words and music that has dazzled audiences with an unparalleled parade of both high and low drama since the sixteenth century. This volume collects enchanting and engaging pieces by celebrated writers, including Willa Cather's striking tale of a stuffy businessman's infatuation with a prima donna, Richard Wagner's memorable tirade on the subject of conducting, and Edith Wharton's satirical look at old New York society through the prism of the opera house. With an eye uplifted to this most sublime of arts, this book takes readers from the orchestra pit to the family box to the stage itself.