The Zarzuela Companion - Tapa dura

It certainly deserves to succeed, not only because the aim is praiseworthy but also because it is intelligently conceived and carried out with erudition blended with literary skill. This is a marvelously useful and user-friendly compendium that is undoubtedly going to help spread the gospel of zarzuela in the English-speaking world. * Opera Now * Superbly informative. Webber's knowledge is encyclopaedic, his passion for the genre infectious, and his skill as a proselytiser impressive. Highly recommended..... * Time Out * My praise for it is immeasurable. To quote Ira Gershwin, 'Who could ask for anything more?' Gracias, Senor Webber, for this superb, much-needed volume!!!!! * Opera * Splendid...Everywhere the author's wit and erudition enhance the comprehensive information. One must hope that this superlative book...will find a home with all who love La Zarzuela. * American Record Collector * Recommended. All readers interested in cultural studies and world theater and music. * CHOICE * Webber can convey his enthusiasm in eloquent prose...Throughout, Webber mixes approachability with good scholarship...No existing lover of zarzuela should be without the book, and the hope must be that it helps the genre to achieve the appreciation in English-speaking countries that its wonderful music deserves. * Teaching History: A Journal of Methods * Superbly informative. Webber's knowledge is encyclopaedic, his passion for the genre infectious, and his skill as a proselytiser impressive. Highly recommended. * Time Out * My praise for it is immeasurable. To quote Ira Gershwin, 'Who could ask for anything more?' Gracias, Senor Webber, for this superb, much-needed volume! * Opera * Christopher Webber is much to be applauded for the range and nature of his achievement....an indispensable guide which deserves great success. -- Robert Matthew-Walker Webber's excellent survey of zarzuelas concentrates on 60 works written since 1850 out of 10,000 possibilities. He begins with a brief history (6 pages) from the baroque to the twentieth century....Highly recommended to introduce a little-known genre of musical theater. * The Opera Journal *

The Zarzuela Companion is a comprehensive guide to the zarzuela's most popular and romantic works written after 1850, with chapters devoted to the major Spanish zarzuela composers, writers and singers. Complete synopses of all sixty works selected are delivered at the level of detail necessary for non-Spanish speakers to follow along with ease. The book also features special sections on the history of the genre, and on the parallel Catalan and Cuban zarzuela traditions.