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Verdi With a Vengeance: An Energetic Guide to the Life and Complete Works of the King of Opera Paperback – September 12, 2000

by William Berger (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 59 ratings
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Everything you could possibly know about Verdi and his operas, from the brilliant and humorous author of Wagner Without Fear.

If you want to know why La traviata was actually a flop at its premiere in 1853, it's in here.  If you want to know why claiming to have heard Bjorling's Chicago performance of Il trovatore is the classic opera fan faux pas, it's in here.  Even if you just want to know how to pronounce Aida, or what the plot of Rigoletto is all about, this is the place to look.  From the composer's intense hatred of priests to synopses of the operas and a detailed discography of the best recordings to buy, it can all be found in Verdi with a Vengeance.  William Berger has given another improbable performance, serving up a book as thorough as it is funny and as original as it is astute, an utterly indispensable guide for novice and expert alike.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    512 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Vintage
  4. Publication date
    September 12, 2000
  5. Dimensions
    5.14 x 1.09 x 7.96 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    037570518X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0375705182
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Berger follows his successful Wagner Without Fear: Learning To LoveDAnd Even EnjoyDOpera's Most Demanding Genius (LJ 10/15/98) with an equally engaging look at Giuseppe Verdi, the towering figure of Italian musical life in the 19th century. This overview of his life and work is not thorough but is thoroughly informed. Berger, a librettist and frequent commentator on National Public Radio's At the Opera, provides a brief overview of the composer's life and times and examines the connections between contemporary politics and Verdi's creative output. There are scene-by-scene plot descriptions along with witty commentaryDhe describes Nabucco's Abigaille as "one of opera's most outstanding bitches, not so much in what she says as in the number of octaves she takes to say it." A glossary and recommended recordings, films, and soundtracks are included. Informative and eminently readable for the novice and scholar alike, this book would not be out of place in academic libraries, yet its personal approach and accessibility make it an excellent choice for public libraries.DKate McCaffrey, Onondaga Cty. P.L., Syracuse
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Praise for William Berger's Wagner Without Fear:

"An engaging guide."--The New Yorker

"Witty, knowledgeable, iconoclastic, and emphatically nonacademic...with a down-to-earth, gossipy approach that belies a keen intelligence.... Often outrageously funny."--Library Journal

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vintage; First Edition (September 12, 2000)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 512 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 037570518X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0375705182
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.14 x 1.09 x 7.96 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 59 ratings

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William Berger

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
59 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

John G. Gleeson Sr.
5.0 out of 5 stars An Essential For The Verdi Lover
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2013
Verified Purchase
I have lived with this book for a little over a year; it rests on a table next to my chair so that I can access it frequently, as I do. I have referred to it in several reviews of Verdi on DVD and thought that in justice to this fine work, I should comment briefly on why it is so important to my enjoyment of Verdi's operas.

First, there is an adequate biography. I have and consult the definitive biography by Ms. Phillips-Matz, but for the quick reference, Mr. Berger works very well: there is enough detail to answer most any question I have had.

Second, all of the operas are outlined as to plot and discussed. No, this is not Budden's three volume tome of the 1970's (if memory serves), but again, unless one can sight read an orchestral score, Budden takes some effort to get through. Berger is much more easy on the attention span, but still with plenty of detail. When I came to opera, there were only four or five of Verdi's operas that had been recorded, and those were cut substantially ( all those vulgar cabalettas!) It is gratifying to see all the
early Verdi" treated with affectionate respect.

Third, there is a short, succinct guide to audio recordings with some absolutely delicious editorial remarks ( he mentions Canadian tenor Richard Margison sounding like he was chanelling Ethel Merman and notes that a well known soprano's high notes could kill goldfish in a bowl!) Sad to say, the book was written before the surge of DVDs.

Fourth is the quality of writing: Berger has a crisp, grammatic style that maintains interest. Part of this, I am sure, reflects his obvious love of Verdi's output.

So in sum, gentle reader, I recomend this book without reservation. It's a winner!!
13 people found this helpful
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Bill
5.0 out of 5 stars Educational and fun too
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2016
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The only negative thing I can say about this book is that it makes me spend a lot of time watching Verdi operas on tv. Also I keep spending money on Verdi DVD's. Thank heavens for the many free Verdi operas on Amazon Prime tv. Since I read this book I just can't get enough of Verdi. But I digress. Berger wrote a great book. Informative and fun. Never dry or dull. For an opera novice like me it is perfect. ~ Celeste Downey
8 people found this helpful
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E. Edgerton
4.0 out of 5 stars Informative and readable
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2021
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Informative and readable book for anyone who has just discovered opera and wants to know more about Verdi’s works including the more obscure ones. Wish we had books like this for other opera composers (Puccini, Mozart, Wagner etc)
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birdwalker
5.0 out of 5 stars You deserve this book
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2024
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I intended to write a review but R. Hughes 2001 review says it all. My first experience with Verdi was three quarters of a century ago, and I have been listening to and reading about him ever since. I have read Phillips-Matz at least three times, ditto Budden, Walker and a few more, and I still re-read Berger just for the sheer pleasure of his knowledge, experience, love and esteem for Verdi (the same for Wagner in his Wagner Without Fear) and witty writing. This book is for all but the most self-satisfied opera aficionado -- and for beginners, it's a must.
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Steffi B. Rath
5.0 out of 5 stars Try it and you'll like it.
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2012
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As an inveterate Verdi fan, I had no idea what interest this book could hold for me. However, I found it a total delight. To be sure, I know the plots of almost all of Verdi's operas - although they are very detailed and amazingly close to the libretti. But most of all, I loved the author's copious, very appropriate and frequently extremely witty comments. I sang along with practically all of them and haven't had so much fun in a long time.
Whether you are new to Verdi or a longtime worshipper of his music, do yourselves a favor and get this book.

Steffi B. Rath
2 people found this helpful
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phyllfe
5.0 out of 5 stars Opera Lovers' Delight
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2011
Verified Purchase
Verdi gets his due in this delightful and enlightening work- a handbook that presents solid background information in a conversational manner. If you yearn for good "opera talk, "and want to be entertained and informed on Verdi in general or a specific work, this book is an excellent choice. I discovered it by reading the Amazon reviews and am grateful to those review writers who were right on the mark in giving it a high rating.
One person found this helpful
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JoeBulldog
4.0 out of 5 stars Verdi With a Vengance Review
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2014
Verified Purchase
I chose this because I wanted to learn more about Verdi the person. I was not disappointed, he was not as nice a person as I thought. The detail was limited but very good. Also the part on opera in Verdi's time was most interesting.
The chapters on each of Verdi's operas is good goes into enough detail to make it very interesting.
All in all a good choice to learn about Verdi and his music
4 people found this helpful
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Alexander
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource for Verdi's Operas
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
This was a Great Resource for Verdi's Operas. Not just the operas themselves but a superb but short bio and indexes to many other related materials such as best recordings, best other research books, etc.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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E. Reifke
5.0 out of 5 stars Alles prima
Reviewed in Germany on April 15, 2019
Verified Purchase
Alles super, wir sind sehr zufrieden und das (gebrauchte) Buch sieht sogar besser auscals erwartet. Danke, Book Broker!
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Mark Hayward
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent Verdi primer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 17, 2015
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I had no time (in more than one sense) for opera till recently. However, I have had a musical epiphany in the form of the finale to Act 1 of Macbeth. So I decided to find out more about Verdi and his music. Having already enjoyed Berger's Puccini volume I purchased this without hesitation. I have enjoyed the book very much and it is a very useful reference work to keep handy.
One person found this helpful
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Ian Mackay
5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful indeed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 30, 2013
Verified Purchase
This is very complete, very accessible, and a most useful book to have, whether you are really serious about Verdi, or just want some help on an ad hoc basis. It is a mine of information, much of which is difficult to find and scattered over a multitude of different sources.
2 people found this helpful
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basil
4.0 out of 5 stars but best part is the list of all his operas
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 27, 2018
Verified Purchase
History of the life of Verdi was interesting g, but best part is the list of all his operas, and here a more detailed of them was most revealing.
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