Handel's Bestiary: In Search of Animals in Handel's Operas
Apr 2011 · Grove/Atlantic, Inc.
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144
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About this ebook
When acclaimed novelist Donna Leon is not conjuring up tales of crime and corruption in Venice, or reveling in delicious cuisine, she is listening to music. For Leon, patron of conductor Alan Curtis and his celebrated orchestra Il Complesso Barocco, that usually means the work of her favorite composer, George Frideric Handel.
Over the years, Leon has noticed that the great musician filled his operas with arias that make reference to animals; rich in symbolism, the perceived virtues and vices of the lion, bee, nightingale, snake, elephant, and tiger, among others, resonate in his works. In Handel’s Bestiary, Leon draws on her love of Handel and her expertise in medieval bestiaries—illustrated collections of animal stories—to assemble a bestiary of her own. Twelve chapters trace twelve animals through history, mythology, and the arias. Each is joined by whimsical original illustrations by German painter Michael Sowa, and an accompanying CD includes each aria, expertly recorded by Il Complesso Barocco. A fascinating, utterly original book, Handel’s Bestiary springs to life with Leon’s knowledge, passion, and wit.
Over the years, Leon has noticed that the great musician filled his operas with arias that make reference to animals; rich in symbolism, the perceived virtues and vices of the lion, bee, nightingale, snake, elephant, and tiger, among others, resonate in his works. In Handel’s Bestiary, Leon draws on her love of Handel and her expertise in medieval bestiaries—illustrated collections of animal stories—to assemble a bestiary of her own. Twelve chapters trace twelve animals through history, mythology, and the arias. Each is joined by whimsical original illustrations by German painter Michael Sowa, and an accompanying CD includes each aria, expertly recorded by Il Complesso Barocco. A fascinating, utterly original book, Handel’s Bestiary springs to life with Leon’s knowledge, passion, and wit.
When acclaimed novelist Donna Leon is not conjuring up tales of crime and corruption in Venice, or reveling in delicious cuisine, she is listening to music. For Leon, patron of conductor Alan Curtis and his celebrated orchestra Il Complesso Barocco, that usually means the work of her favorite com...
About the author
Donna Leon is the author of twenty novels featuring Guido Brunetti. A native of New Jersey, she has lived in Venice for over twenty-five years.
Michael Sowa was born in Berlin in 1945. His illustrations have appeared in publications such as Die Zeit and The New Yorker
Alan Curtis was born in Mason, Michigan, in 1934. In 1979 he founded Il Complesso Barocco, an international ensemble dedicated to Baroque music on original instruments and particularly to the operas of George Frideric Handel.
Michael Sowa was born in Berlin in 1945. His illustrations have appeared in publications such as Die Zeit and The New Yorker
Alan Curtis was born in Mason, Michigan, in 1934. In 1979 he founded Il Complesso Barocco, an international ensemble dedicated to Baroque music on original instruments and particularly to the operas of George Frideric Handel.
Donna Leon is the author of twenty novels featuring Guido Brunetti. A native of New Jersey, she has lived in Venice for over twenty-five years.
Michael Sowa was born in Berlin in 1945. His illustrations have appeared in publications such as Die Zeit and The New Yorker
Alan Curtis was born in Ma...
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