Verdi With a Vengeance: An Energetic Guide to the Life and Complete Works of the King of Opera

Everything you could possibly know about Verdi and his operas, from the brilliant and humorous author ofWagner Without Fear. If you want to know whyLa traviatawas 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 ofIl trovatoreis 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 ofRigolettois 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 inVerdi 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.