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Biographical note
David Charlton is Professor of Music History at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is the author of Grétry and the Growth of Opéra-Comique (Cambridge, 1986), E. T. A. Hoffman's Musical Writings: Kreisleriana; The Poet and the Composer; Music Criticism (Cambridge, 1989) and most recently, French Opera 1730–1830 (2000).'… contains more information about its subject than any previous publication in English. For the serious lover of opera, as well as for the cultural historian, this is not only an impressive collection but one that will be dipped into for many years.' Contemporary Review
'… a book, that deserves no recommendation lower than the very high one conferred by its own scholarship.' Gramophone
'This collection of 19 essays offers a thematic survey of the genre … although written largely by academics, this absorbing book is refreshingly free of academic jargon. Its contributors obviously share a love of the subject and are keen to share their enthusiasm. It will appeal to anyone who enjoys opera.' Classical Music
'Charlton's book is well-illustrated (copious music examples) and annotated and has been seen through the press with agreeable accuracy. It reads well, is an invaluable reference work and should have the English language to itself for many a long year.' BBC Music Magazine
'This is a comprehensive and extensive book. Anyone needing to study grand opera should ensure that they have it to hand. It also provides superb background reading if you want to explore the operas of Meyerbeer et al.' www.musicweb-international.com