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

I have lived with this book for a little over a year; it rests on a table next to my chair so that I can access it frequently, as I do. I have referred to it in several reviews of Verdi on DVD and thought that in justice to this fine work, I should comment briefly on why it is so important to my enjoyment of Verdi's operas.First, there is an adequate biography. I have and consult the definitive biography by Ms. Phillips-Matz, but for the quick reference, Mr. Berger works very well: there is enough detail to answer most any question I have had.Second, all of the operas are outlined as to plot and discussed. No, this is not Budden's three volume tome of the 1970's (if memory serves), but again, unless one can sight read an orchestral score, Budden takes some effort to get through. Berger is much more easy on the attention span, but still with plenty of detail. When I came to opera, there were only four or five of Verdi's operas that had been recorded, and those were cut substantially ( all those vulgar cabalettas!) It is gratifying to see all theearly Verdi" treated with affectionate respect.Third, there is a short, succinct guide to audio recordings with some absolutely delicious editorial remarks ( he mentions Canadian tenor Richard Margison sounding like he was chanelling Ethel Merman and notes that a well known soprano's high notes could kill goldfish in a bowl!) Sad to say, the book was written before the surge of DVDs.Fourth is the quality of writing: Berger has a crisp, grammatic style that maintains interest. Part of this, I am sure, reflects his obvious love of Verdi's output.So in sum, gentle reader, I recomend this book without reservation. It's a winner!!

Informative and readable book for anyone who has just discovered opera and wants to know more about Verdi’s works including the more obscure ones. Wish we had books like this for other opera composers (Puccini, Mozart, Wagner etc)

The only negative thing I can say about this book is that it makes me spend a lot of time watching Verdi operas on tv. Also I keep spending money on Verdi DVD's. Thank heavens for the many free Verdi operas on Amazon Prime tv. Since I read this book I just can't get enough of Verdi. But I digress. Berger wrote a great book. Informative and fun. Never dry or dull. For an opera novice like me it is perfect. ~ Celeste Downey

This was a Great Resource for Verdi's Operas. Not just the operas themselves but a superb but short bio and indexes to many other related materials such as best recordings, best other research books, etc.

As an inveterate Verdi fan, I had no idea what interest this book could hold for me. However, I found it a total delight. To be sure, I know the plots of almost all of Verdi's operas - although they are very detailed and amazingly close to the libretti. But most of all, I loved the author's copious, very appropriate and frequently extremely witty comments. I sang along with practically all of them and haven't had so much fun in a long time.Whether you are new to Verdi or a longtime worshipper of his music, do yourselves a favor and get this book.Steffi B. Rath

What a romp through Verdi's life and musical ideas. And, if this weren't enough, the fabulous descriptions of each of his operas is superb. There's humor and a warm respect for this giant of Opera. Highly recommended.

I chose this because I wanted to learn more about Verdi the person. I was not disappointed, he was not as nice a person as I thought. The detail was limited but very good. Also the part on opera in Verdi's time was most interesting.The chapters on each of Verdi's operas is good goes into enough detail to make it very interesting.All in all a good choice to learn about Verdi and his music

A clear and entertaining discussion of Verdi's operas. It is full of interesting stories about the composer that contribute to the reader's enjoyment of the music

I had no time (in more than one sense) for opera till recently. However, I have had a musical epiphany in the form of the finale to Act 1 of Macbeth. So I decided to find out more about Verdi and his music. Having already enjoyed Berger's Puccini volume I purchased this without hesitation. I have enjoyed the book very much and it is a very useful reference work to keep handy.

History of the life of Verdi was interesting g, but best part is the list of all his operas, and here a more detailed of them was most revealing.

This is very complete, very accessible, and a most useful book to have, whether you are really serious about Verdi, or just want some help on an ad hoc basis. It is a mine of information, much of which is difficult to find and scattered over a multitude of different sources.

Alles super, wir sind sehr zufrieden und das (gebrauchte) Buch sieht sogar besser auscals erwartet. Danke, Book Broker!