SKU: 89278551510

The New Book of Opera Anecdotes

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Description

The New Book of Opera AnecdotesBuilding on the long established success of Ethan Mordden's Opera Anecdotes, The New Book Of Opera Anecdotes continues where the original left off, bringing into view the new corps of major singers that arose after the first book's publication in 1985 artists such as Renee Fleming, Roberto Alagna, Deborah Voigt, Jonas Kaufmann, Kathleen Battle, and Jane Eaglen (who tested her family with Turandot's three riddles and got a very original answer). There

Building on the long-established success of Ethan Mordden's Opera Anecdotes, The New Book Of Opera Anecdotes continues where the original left off, bringing into view the new corps of major singers that arose after the first book's publication in 1985 -- artists such as Renee Fleming, Roberto Alagna, Deborah Voigt, Jonas Kaufmann, Kathleen Battle, and Jane Eaglen (who tested her family with Turandot's three riddles and got a very original answer).

There are also fresh adventures with opera's fabled great -- Rossini, Wagner, Toscanini (whose temper tantrums are always good for a story), Franco Corelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Leontyne Price (who, when the Met's Rudolf Bing offered her the voice-killing role of Abigaille in Verdi's Nabucco, said, "Man, are you crazy?").

Almost all the stories in The New Book Of Opera Anecdotes are completely new, whether from the present or the past, taking in many historical developments, from the rise of the conductor to the appearance of the gymmed-up "bari-hunk" who refuses to play any role in which he can't appear shirtless.

While most of Mordden's anecdotes are humorous, some are emotionally touching, such as one recounting a Met production of Mozart's The Marriage Of Figaro in which Renee Fleming sang alongside her own six-year-old daughter. Other tales are suspenseful, as when Tito Gobbi shows off his ability to make anyone turn around simply by staring at his or her back. He tries it on Nazi monster Joseph Goebbels, who does turn around, and then starts to move toward Gobbi, seething with rage, step by step...

Mordden recounts these stories in his own unique voice, amplifying events for reading pleasure and adding in background material so the opera newcomer can play on the same field as the aficionado. Witty, dramatoic, and at times a little shocking, The New Book Of Opera Anecdotes will be a welcome addition to any opera fan's library.


Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 09/01/2020
ISBN: 9780190877682
Pages: 328
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.40w x 0.90d

Review Citations: Library Journal 01/01/2020 pg. 76
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SKU: 89278551510

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Kindle Customer
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shelves! Had for years!
Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown, Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown
I love these shelves, I’ve had them set up both ways, as a floating shelf and the other way where you get some side support. I’ve had them for years, moved with them, and they continue to work great. I’ve had a lot on them too weight wise (I love books) and they don’t cave in the middle. Great shelves and easy to assemble (I’m a newbie with a drill). Great value for the money, durability is great, adjustable, and great for what you get!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2026
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Baibhav Bhattarai
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Budget-Friendly with a Rustic Charm - WOPITUES Wood Floating Shelves Set of 6
Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown
The WOPITUES Wood Floating Shelves Set of 6 is an appealing option for those looking to add a touch of rustic charm to their home without spending a fortune. This set of six shelves offers great versatility and functionality, ideal for displaying a variety of items such as books, plants, and decorative pieces, enhancing any wall decor with a farmhouse vibe. Upon installation, which is straightforward with the included mounting hardware, these shelves provide a neat and organized look. The ability to arrange them in various configurations allows for creative freedom in decorating, making it easy to personalize your space. The overall capacity and sturdiness of the shelves are commendable, holding up well under the weight of typical decor items. However, while the shelves perform well from a distance, a closer inspection reveals that the materials look somewhat cheap. The wood finish, although attractive from afar, does not hold up to close scrutiny, with the texture and detailing lacking the quality one might expect from more expensive shelving. This aspect might be a downside for those who prefer more authentic, high-quality woodwork. In conclusion, the WOPITUES Wood Floating Shelves are a solid choice for anyone on a budget looking to enhance their home decor. They offer good functionality and aesthetic appeal at a distance, though they may not satisfy those looking for premium material quality. For the price, they are a worthy consideration for casual use and decorative purposes.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2024
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Michael E. Fleming
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 4
Good product. Real wood. Sturdy wall anchor.
Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: Black
4.5 stars. It's a great product. The pictures made me wonder if this was wood or plastic, but it is definitely wood. It is very attractive and fairly easy to assemble. I feel like the harnesses for the wall don't fit the wood well enough, so you can get different distances from the wall, and one of my shelves is half a centimeter below the others, even though I lined it up the same. But they are sturdy shelves and very pretty. My only real complaint is the screw anchors for the walls. They are SERIOUS. I doubt these will ever fall out of the wall, for real. The only problem is, they eat the wall as you are putting them in. If I ever decide to move these, I will have to do some serious dry wall repair.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2026
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Anthony Motley
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Easy to install
Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: White
I bought these for my step daughter for her birthday. I installed them on about 45 minutes. Theyre small and decorative. They're nice to store light weight knick knacks on.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026
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Brianna McMichael
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Simple, sturdy, and looks great in the room
Size: 16.5 Inch, Color: Rustic Brown
I bought this farmhouse shelf for our bedroom because I needed extra storage that would not make the space feel cramped. After using it for a few weeks, I can say it fits the room really well and does exactly what I hoped it would. The rustic brown color is warm without looking orange or overly dark. It has that farmhouse style but still feels clean and modern. It blends nicely with neutral furniture and does not look cheap or overly distressed. Assembly took me about thirty minutes. The instructions were easy to follow and all the hardware was included. Once everything was tightened, the shelf felt stable and did not wobble. I made sure to assemble it on a flat surface and tighten the screws evenly, which helped keep it level. Right now I am using it for books, a small plant, framed photos, and a storage basket. It handles normal household items without any sagging. I would not overload it with very heavy textbooks on every shelf, but for everyday use in a bedroom or living room, it feels solid. One thing I really like is the size. It gives you good vertical storage without taking up too much floor space. It works especially well in smaller rooms or apartments where you want storage but do not want bulky furniture. If using it in a bathroom, I would just be mindful of humidity over time since the shelves appear to be engineered wood with a laminate finish. For towels and lightweight storage bins, it should work well. Overall, this is a practical and good looking shelf. It is not high end furniture, but it does not feel flimsy either. For the price, I would buy it again.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2026

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