The Most Beautiful Opera Houses In The World - Tapa dura

Opera houses-temples to the art of Mozart, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, and more-have been created by some of the most talented architects and designers of their generations, inspiring centuries of veneration from audiences, filled with royalty and commoners alike. In this sumptuous book, photographer Guillaume de Laubier and journalist Antoine Pecqueur explore more than 25 of the world's most beautiful opera houses, from Tokyo to Covent Garden, from Oslo to Chicago, from Milan to New York. The buildings are described in their historical contexts, while stunning photography reveals the theaters' most captivating spaces. In addition to offering sweeping views of ornate auditoriums and facades, the book opens doors normally closed to the public, entering the artists' dressing rooms, rehearsal halls, scenery workshops, and more, presenting a wide-ranging and compelling look into a spectacular world. Praise for The Most Beautiful Opera Houses in the World: "Performance spaces take the spotlight in The Most Beautiful Opera Houses in the World and you don't need to be a music buff to appreciate their range. The photographs by Guillaume de Laubier capture 32 theaters across the globe in rich detail . . . Who knew empty stages made for such good theater?" -Wall Street Journal "With the growing popularity of massive arenas, it is often difficult to think back to a time when going out for a night of music was synonymous with elegance. But a new book has rediscovered the high art of these exquisite theater spaces. The Most Beautiful Opera Houses in the World contains hundreds of photographs showing the exteriors and auditoriums of these cultural treasures-and is a reminder why these architectural wonders are worth a visit." -FOXNews.com

La Scala, the Bolchoi, le Palais Garnier--opera houses are mythical places that evoke dreams and creativity. For centuries, these temples of the arts have been dedicated to the creative work of Mozart, Verdi, Tchaikovsky and Nureyev, and have been designed to allow brilliant performers to display their talents amidst sumptuous costumes and sets. Created by some of the most talented architects, builders and designers of their generations, opera houses have inspired veneration from audiences for centuries, from royalty and commoners alike. Moving from Sydney to Covent Garden, from Beijing to Saint Petersburg, from Oslo to Manaus, from le Petit Trianon to New York and San Francisco, photographer Guillaume de Laubier and journalist Antoine Pecqueur explore twenty-five of the world's most beautiful opera houses. They offer us a greater understanding of their architectural role, as well as their place in history. Whether baroque, romanesque, or minimalist, opera houses bear witness to the tides of history and to the ideals of those who built them. In addition to the sweeping views of ornate auditoriums and facades, the book opens doors normally closed to the public, entering the artists' dressing rooms, rehearsal halls, scenery workshops and more, presenting a wide-ranging and compelling look into the spectacular world of the opera.