Puccini without excuses
Subtitle: a refreshing reassessment of the world's most popular composer
By: William Berger.
Publisher: Vintage Books
Published: 2005
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 471
Subjects: Puccini, Giacomo, 1858-1924.; Operas -- Stories, plots, etc.
Genres: Stories, plots, etc.
Description: "Puccini is the most beloved composer of opera in the world: one quarter of all opera performances in the United States are of his operas, his music pervades movie soundtracks, and his plots have infiltrated our popular culture. But although Puccini's art still captivates audiences and the popularity of such works as Tosca, La Boheme, and Madama Butterfly has never waned, he has long been a victim of critical snobbery and cultural marginalization."

"In this informative guide for beginners and fans alike, William Berger sets the record straight, reclaiming Puccini as a serious artist. Combining his trademark irreverent humor with passionate enthusiasm, Berger strikes just the right balance of introductory information and thought-provoking analysis. He includes a biography, discussions of each opera, a glossary, fun facts and anecdotes, and above all, keen insight into Puccini's enduring power."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 411-423) and index.
Table of contents: title: The case of Puccini; title: The operas; title: The Puccini code; title: Exploring Puccini.