Myths and Secrets of the World’s Great Operas

Brian Castles-Onion

See Brian perform on YouTube >>

The world of opera is a mystery to some and a comedy to others, but it is deadly serious to the people who live and breathe it. Opera conductor Brian Castles-Onion has seen opera from all sides and has decided to step back and reflect on the great operas and on the people who bring them to the stage.

In this book he offers light-hearted accounts of some of the best-known operas, spiced with anecdotes and behind-the-scenes gossip, as well as his impressions of the famous stereotypes of the operatic world: emotional sopranos, bitchy tenors, incompetent choruses and rebellious orchestras.

Opera, as we know, is so much more than just works in music — it’s a way of living for some, an expression of joy and escapism for others and fun for just about all. Learn a whole lot more by visiting the Losing the Plot in Opera website >>

Read an extract >>

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian Castles-Onion is one of Australia’s most brilliant young conductors and pianists. He regularly conducts for the Australian Opera, and was Artistic Director of Canterbury Opera in New Zealand. He is a popular choice to conduct such major events as Opera in the Park and Opera in the Vineyards, and has worked at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Rossini Festival in Italy. He has released several recordings and appeared in cabaret in New York, Berlin and London. This is his first book.

“Losing the Plot in Opera is something very easily experienced, and Brian Castles-Onion has managed to give the reader a host of possibilities!” Dame Joan Sutherland

---

Reviews

“If Dame Joan Sutherland thinks it’s easy to become lost in the convoluted, confusing and downright ridiculous opera plots, how much hope is there for the mere opera lover?  So, for the average (or even well informed) listener, this little book is just the thing.  Conductor Brian Castles-Onion’s years of experience and dry wit are put to excellent use here; his discussions of some of the best loved operas, voice types and performance bloopers are hilarious and illuminate the not-so-serious side of opera. This humorous and well-researched little handbook is an invaluable companion — and it’s even small enough to sneak into the opera with you (just don't laugh too hard)!  ABC Limelight Magazine

Review - Hunter Lifestyle Magazine >>

Review - Sunday Age May 11 2008 >>

Review - Woman's Day May 2008 >>

---

SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 165 x 125mm
Format: Paperback with flaps
Extent: 240 pages
Weight: 230 gms
Publication date: May 2008
ISBN: 978-0-908988-59-4