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Title: The Diaries of Giacomo Meyerbeer: 1791-1839 by Giacomo Meyerbeer, Robert Ignatius Letellier ISBN: 0-8386-3789-2 Publisher: Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Pr Pub. Date: December, 1999 Format: Hardcover List Price(USD): $65.00

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Average Customer Rating: 5 (1 review)

Rating: 5
Summary: A Rare Treasure Unfolds in Meyerbeer's Diaries
Comment: Robert Letellier has produced a masterpiece in this Part I of a monumental work. Meticulously footnoted in every detail, the life of Meyerbeer (1791-1864) is told from the composer's perspective for the very first time. As this was a period in history of the development of an industrialized Europe, and Meyerbeer was a traveller, the diaries contain keen observations of sights, travel conditions and technological changes. For example, an illuminating section describes with wonder the technological marvel of fire hydrants, which Meyerbeer encountered for the fist time.

From the standpoint of musical history, the publication of this book stands as a long overdue English language refutation (until now, virtually all modern scholarly work on the subject has been in German) of the commonly held critiques of Meyerbeer, and puts forth a strong case for the revival of his music and opera today. In a foreword by Heinz Becker, the German musicologist who, working virtually alone since 1952, began the project of restoring Meyerbeer to his rightful place in history as the originator of French Grand Opera, the importance and successes of the composer are reviewed in some detail.

The diaries contain innumerable references to Meyerbeer's family life, the anti-semitism he encountered, the famous personalities he encountered, and the plays, operas and concerts he attended.

Robert Letellier is the ideal editor for this project. His fluid translation of sometimes cryptic German text makes this book into a quite easy read. We look forward to Part 2 with great interest.