Divas and Scholars: Performing Italian Opera, by Philip Gossett

Philip Gossett’s credentials are never in question, but his tone is accessible and engaging and never too dry or academic. Amidst plenty of specific observations and insights drawn from his research and experience, Gossett also includes a healthy dose of amusing, sometimes biting personal anecdotes.

R.A. seconds the recommendation:

In a fascinating combination of anecdotes, musical examples, and fun facts, the recently late Gossett gives equal precedence to the big picture ideas (the history of the art form) and the technical nitty-gritty details (the nature of ornamentation, translation, and transposition). In this way he created a book for both opera neophytes and jaded connoisseurs alike. With a description like that, it’ll come as no surprise to anyone that it’s a bit of a doorstop, but the reader will soon be absorbed in engrossing stories of critical editions of Verdi and Rossini and iconic Met productions, and the 700+ pages will fly by.