Giacomo Puccini

Description

Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) is perhaps the worlds most popular opera composer. Renowned for his gift as a melodist he was also a new force in "musical drama". This work draws attention to the daring and extraordinary colouring of Puccini's music, countering the view held during his lifetime that he was a retrogressive who aimed to shock. The composer's many relationships with women were a significant influence on his music and he was one of the greatest creators of operatic heroines, commemorating them in music that played directly on the heartstrings. The contradictions within Puccini's personality - his revelry in an affluent lifestle and insecurities about his creative powers - are explored in this biography, which attempts to set the composer among the immortal greats. This text is part of the 20th-century composers series, examining composers in a biographical context, and offering a comprehensive study of key figures in the creation of 20th-century music. None of the books in the series presume a knowledge of specialized terms or musical notation. Each book in the series features a list of works, a bibliography, and a discography.

Conrad Wilson was music critic for the Scotsman from 1963 to 1991, and now writes for the Herald. Author of several publications, including a history of Scottish Opera, he was for many years Programme Editor of the Edinburgh Festival.

"Fascinating and fastidiously researched. A fine book, both emotionally profound and waspishly witty."-The Scotsman "A sizzling new biography."-Herald "Thoroughly readable and quietly perceptive."-Guardian On the 20th Century Composers Series "As a series, Phaidon's 20th Century Composers has brought remarkable variety and a welter of information, both necessary and delightfully trivial. Intended both for the general reader and for the more enthusiastically musical."-The Scotsman