The Verdi Baritone Studies in the Development of Dramatic Character [Paperback]

... a well-written, practical, and carefully documented source for character development... The Verdi Baritone offers a unique, and uniquely qualified, discourse on a much too often overlooked aspect of the operas. The Opera Journal

... a series of beautifully written and carefully argued monographs on baritone roles... Choice

From the professional performer to the opera afficiando, every reader will gain unexpected insights into Verdis dramatic and musical genius. The Verdi Baritone is a vitally important and necessary contribution to the literature. Journal of Singing

The Verdi Baritone explores the unfolding of seven of the most complex and challenging operatic roles, revealing the way these roles were conceived and executed: Nabucco, Ernani, Macbeth, Rigoletto, La Traviata, Simon Boccanegra, and Otello. Voice students, professional performers, and their teachers and coaches, as well as opera lovers, will gain insight into Verdis masterful use of text, music, and staging to portray each characters inner self.

Acknowledgments

Introduction
Nabucco
Erani
Macbeth
Rigoetto
La Traviata
Simon Boccanegra
Otello

Appendix: Plot Synopses

Selected Bibliography
Notes

The Verdi Baritone, a thoughtful, perceptive collection, should be required reading for directors, conductors, vocal coaches, and baritones preparing to sing these roles.

Geoffrey Edwardsis an award-winning author and stage director of both dramatic and operatic productions. Ryan Edwards, a leading performer with the Metropolitan Opera, has received international acclaim for his vocal and dramatic interpretations of Verdis baritone roles.

Singing actors delight when a well-written, practical, and carefully documented source for character development assists their research. . . . The Verdi Baritone offers a unique, and uniquely qualified, discourse on a much too often overlooked aspect of the operas.