History The following are recommendations for reading. Vocal Images does not have commercial affiliations with publishers of the recommended titles or recordings. First Nights at the Opera By Thomas Forrest Kelly Yale University Press; ISBN 0-300-10044-2 Hardcover, 441 pages Contains accounts of Handel's Giulio Cesare, Mozart's Don Giovanni, Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots, Wagner's Das Reingold, and Verdi's Otello. This is the account of first performances of the author's favorite operas, each a masterpiece. There are some vibrant accounts from the time when these operas premiered, and it is most entertaining. For instance, we find out that Mozart and da Ponte had lodgings across the street from one another and were heard shouting form their rooms at one another across the street. What would they have been saying? Wolfie, you ready? Meet you downstairs in five. How was rehearsal?... Feh!...The prima donna doesn't know her part... It steeps you in the social milieu of the operas, and give you background on creation of the work, rehearsals, etc. It is both sparkling and scholarly, and would make a great gift for an opera lover or someone on the professional side of opera, as well as history buffs in general and those who like to learn more about how people lived. We highly recommend it as a good read and an excellent reference. Back to Top