Weep, Shudder, Die: On Opera and Poetry

"Looking at opera from the standpoint of its texts, as only a gifted poet and librettist can do, Dana Gioia examines why a surprisingly small number of operas have attained a secure place in the repertory. His insight into the workings of this uniquely lyrical fusion of the arts makes Weep, Shudder, Die not only a definitive assessment of the importance of poetry to the operatic undertaking, but a gift to opera lovers everywhere. Read…Reflect…Delight!" —Ted Libbey, author of The NPR Listener’s Encyclopedia of Classical Music “Weep, Shudder, Die should be read by anyone who enjoys opera, or who cares about its place in today's world. Dana Gioia explores, with imagination and insight, the relationship between the libretto and the music. I learned a great deal in reading it, and at the same time enjoyed the experience immensely.” —Henry Fogel, Former President, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and League of American Orchestras A unique book about opera—personal, impassioned, and provocative.  Weep, Shudder, Die explores opera from the perspective by which the art was originally created, as the most intense form of poetic drama.