About FDU Press

British scholar Letellier presents the last volume (of four, 1999-2004, v. 1 and v. 2, CH, Sep’00 and Sep’01) in his set of translations of the diaries of a popular and maligned 19th-century composer of what might today be labeled “blockbuster” operas. In this volume, covering the last eight years of Meyerbeer’s life, the diaries reveal the creative paths of Le Pardon de Ploërmel (Dinorah) and L’Africaine, noting the constant tinkerings by a man who could nevertheless create a substitute aria overnight, a new chorus in an hour. Also revealed: Meyerbeer’s declining health, his determination to remain an active composer and theatergoer, his continued generosity to family and friends. A first-rate “glossary” of works includes a list of the diary entries in which works are mentioned. Additional reference aids include a catalog of all works by other composers and dramatists Meyerbeer mentions, and a 128-page bibliography sorted by a number of topics. A few pages of addenda and corrigenda for all four volumes precede indexes of names, scholars, and stage works. Letellier’s translations are fluent, his annotations detailed, his contribution to Meyerbeer research priceless. Summing up: Essential. All collections supporting the study of music at the upper-division undergraduate level and above.

K. Pendle, emerita, University of Cincinnati
Choice, November 2004