Handel's Bestiary

In Search of Animals in Handel's Operas

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Music Styles, Classical & Opera, Opera, Theory & Criticism, History & Criticism
Cover of the book Handel's Bestiary by Donna Leon, Grove Atlantic
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Donna Leon ISBN: 9780802194909
Publisher: Grove Atlantic Publication: April 5, 2011
Imprint: Atlantic Monthly Press Language: English
Author: Donna Leon
ISBN: 9780802194909
Publisher: Grove Atlantic
Publication: April 5, 2011
Imprint: Atlantic Monthly Press
Language: English

A “real tour de force” exploring the mythic history of animals in Handel’s operas complete with illustrations and audio recordings of the composer’s arias (News—Austria).

When New York Times–bestselling novelist Donna Leon isn’t writing her Commissario Guido Brunetti mysteries, she often listens to her favorite composer, George Frideric Handel. Leon noticed that Handel frequently references animals in his music. In his arias, Handel explores the perceived virtues and vices of the lion, bee, nightingale, snake, elephant, and tiger, among others. With this in mind, Leon combined her knowledge of medieval bestiaries—illustrated collections of animal stories—with her love of Handel.

In Handel’s Bestiary, Leon traces twelve animals through history, mythology, and Handel’s arias. Each chapter is joined by original illustrations by German painter Michael Sowa. And in this enhanced edition, music is included from conductor Alan Curtis and his orchestra, Il Complesso Barocco.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A “real tour de force” exploring the mythic history of animals in Handel’s operas complete with illustrations and audio recordings of the composer’s arias (News—Austria).

When New York Times–bestselling novelist Donna Leon isn’t writing her Commissario Guido Brunetti mysteries, she often listens to her favorite composer, George Frideric Handel. Leon noticed that Handel frequently references animals in his music. In his arias, Handel explores the perceived virtues and vices of the lion, bee, nightingale, snake, elephant, and tiger, among others. With this in mind, Leon combined her knowledge of medieval bestiaries—illustrated collections of animal stories—with her love of Handel.

In Handel’s Bestiary, Leon traces twelve animals through history, mythology, and Handel’s arias. Each chapter is joined by original illustrations by German painter Michael Sowa. And in this enhanced edition, music is included from conductor Alan Curtis and his orchestra, Il Complesso Barocco.

More books from Grove Atlantic

Cover of the book Purge by Donna Leon
Cover of the book The Second Perimeter by Donna Leon
Cover of the book The Ancient Minstrel by Donna Leon
Cover of the book The Star of Istanbul by Donna Leon
Cover of the book A Woman Run Mad by Donna Leon
Cover of the book The Facts of Life and Death by Donna Leon
Cover of the book For a Handful of Feathers by Donna Leon
Cover of the book Leaving Tabasco by Donna Leon
Cover of the book The English Major by Donna Leon
Cover of the book Bluff by Donna Leon
Cover of the book Hawthorne in Concord by Donna Leon
Cover of the book Elsewhere Home by Donna Leon
Cover of the book The Rise of Germany, 1939–1941 by Donna Leon
Cover of the book Adios, Happy Homeland! by Donna Leon
Cover of the book The Subterraneans by Donna Leon
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy