The Cimarosa Affair is a collection of essays written by Simone Perugini and translated by Elizabeth Thomson. With his latest studies, Simone Perugini sheds new light on the life of the Italian composer, Domenico Cimarosa, one of the greatest exponents of the Neapolitan School in the second half of the 18th century. Using contemporary documentary sources discovered recently in various state archives in Italy, and analysing the scores and the librettos of Cimarosa’s operas, Simone Perugini retraces aspects of Cimarosa’s personal and professional life which were either unknown, or incorrectly reported, before this detailed study.
In 'The Love Affairs of Great Musicians, Volume 1,' Rupert Hughes delves into the romantic lives of renowned composers and musicians, offering readers a glimpse into the passionate relationships that inspired their timeless music. Written in a compelling narrative style, Hughes explores the scandals, triumphs, and heartbreaks that shaped the personal lives of these musical geniuses, providing a unique insight into their creative process and the influence of love on their work. This volume provides a fascinating look at the intersection of art and romance in the lives of composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Wagner. Hughes' detailed research and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for music lovers and history buffs alike. Rupert Hughes, a prolific author and music enthusiast, brings his expertise and passion for storytelling to this captivating exploration of the love lives of great musicians. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the emotional complexities of these legendary figures, Hughes offers a comprehensive and insightful account that sheds new light on their artistry and personal relationships. 'The Love Affairs of Great Musicians, Volume 1' is a compelling and informative read that will appeal to anyone interested in the untold stories behind some of the most beloved musical compositions in history.
In 1970s Italy, after the decline of the Spaghetti Western, crime films became the most popular, profitable and controversial genre. In a country plagued with violence, political tensions and armed struggle, these films managed to capture the anxiety and anger of the times in their tales of tough cops, ruthless criminals and urban paranoia. Recent years have seen renewed critical interest in the genre, thanks in part to such illustrious fans as Quentin Tarantino. This book examines all of the 220+ crime films produced in Italy between 1968 and 1980, the period when the genre first appeared and grew to its peak. Entries include a complete cast and crew list, home video releases, a plot summary and the author's own analysis. Excerpts from a variety of sources are included: academic texts, contemporary reviews, and interviews with filmmakers, scriptwriters and actors. There are many onset stills and film posters.
An insider’s view of Hitler, Himmler, Heydrich, and Mussolini. In the years before World War II, Eugen Dollmann arrived in Rome on a scholarship, intending to write a history of the Catholic Church. Instead he joined the Nazi Party and became an interpreter to various members of the German and Italian Fascist hierarchy. In this capacity Dollmann attended the Munich Conference of 1938 and was present at most of the important meetings between Hitler and Mussolini, also witnessing many of the endless squabbles between Mussolini’s son-in-law Galeazzo Ciano and Hitler’s foreign secretary, Joachim von Ribbentrop. He interpreted for Heinrich Himmler during his visits to Rome and was, curiously for one of his temperament, appointed Obersturmführer in the Allgemeine SS. He played a considerable role in the surrender of the German Army in Italy, helping to prevent the execution of Hitler’s scorched-earth orders. The book is full of piquant anecdotes—Himmler’s excavations for the legendary treasure of King Alaric; the visit of Reinhard Heydrich to the House of the Provinces, a brothel frequented by officers and men of means; Hitler’s dread and annoyance at being piloted into his newly conquered Ukraine by Mussolini—to mention only a few. Throughout, Dollmann makes no attempt to conceal or exonerate his association with the Nazis. With Hitler and Mussolini is a fascinating memoir filled with political intrigue, undercover activity, and insights into the biggest personalities connected to the Second World War.
This is the first book in English about Domenico Cimarosa, his more than 65 operas and his sacred and secular vocal music, his keyboard music, and his various works for solo instruments and ensembles. This is also the first authoritative book on Cimarosa since an Italian biography published in 1939. Since that earlier tome was published, many important discoveries have come to light. The authors completed most of their research work at the library of the Conservatorio di musica S Pietro a Majella in Naples. Their efforts have uncovered new information on the composer's marriages, wives, children, actual performance locations, dates of first performances of his operas, and his professional appointments and contacts. The first half of the book is devoted to a chronological description of Cimarosa's life and provides background material on the customs of the times and contemporary descriptions of the music conservatories in Naples where Cimarosa studied, as well as those in Venice where he was appointed Maestro. The second part presents an alphabetical listing of Cimarosa's more than 65 operas, including alternate names for those that were produced on different stages under different names. Included with each opera is a simple outline of the plot, the cast of characters and their voice ranges, and basic information about the structure of the music itself.
'Brett performs his magic on the traditional cozy,making the frame rock with laughter at human foibles and quake with well-placed surprises' - Booklist Starred Review The genteel game of Real Tennis takes a murderous twist in Simon Brett's witty and entertaining new Fethering mystery Jude's life has been turned upside-down thanks her new man, Piers Targett, who's keen to get her involved in his hobby - or obsession - of Real Tennis. But when one of Piers' friends dies on the court in suspicious circumstances, Jude finds herself caught up in the police investigation. Meanwhile, Jude's neighbour Carole is trying to identify the human remains known locally as the 'Lady in the Lake.' As the two investigations become intertwined, Carole and Jude's efforts to find the truth look set to lead to more murders.
