A Second Book of Operas

A vivid guide through the world of biblical operas, this work uncovers how composers from Handel to Verdi turned sacred stories into dramatic scores. By tracing the evolution of themes such as the Exodus, Samson, and the Queen of Sheba, the author reveals the artistic choices that reshape ancient scriptures for the stage. Readers discover how censorship, cultural taste, and personal ambition shaped each production, while gaining a sense of the music’s lingering emotional impact.

The book moves beyond individual works, offering a chapter‑by‑chapter tour of operas, oratorios, and related ballets. It delves into the creative processes behind staples like “Samson et Dalila,” “Cavalleria Rusticana,” and “Pagliacci,” and explores lesser‑known pieces by Rubinstein, Goldmark, and Saint‑Saëns. Alongside musical analysis, the narrative weaves in historical anecdotes, performance histories, and contemporary criticism, making the study both scholarly and accessible for listeners eager to hear these stories come alive.