Opera Mediagraphy

Opera Mediagraphy lists operas released as motion pictures, both as theatrical feature films on 35mm film and educational films on 16mm film and videorecordings, including the VHS videotape format and optical video laser disc, though restricted to those that have been released in the United States in the American television standard video called NTSC (National Television Standards Committee). In addition to all possible information available concerning each opera, citations to reviews are included from over twenty-two sources ranging from opera journals to video review periodicals to general publications. Each review is given a rating based on the mediagrapher's reading and interpretation of the reviewer's intent. This scholarly listing will be of interest to academic and public libraries as well as to individual opera fans.

.,."an excellent source of information for anyone working with a video collection. The information contained within each entry and the layout are consistent and easy to read. The book can be used as a collection development tool for libraries developing a video collection or by individuals building a collection of their own."-Notes, .,."A useful, well-executed selection aid for a type of material not systematically dealt with elsewhere. All in-print and some out-of-print, videos in US format are listed for each opera, as are all available motion picture and laser disks. Recommended for all academic library reference sections."-Choice, ?...an excellent source of information for anyone working with a video collection. The information contained within each entry and the layout are consistent and easy to read. The book can be used as a collection development tool for libraries developing a video collection or by individuals building a collection of their own.?-Notes, ?...A useful, well-executed selection aid for a type of material not systematically dealt with elsewhere. All in-print and some out-of-print, videos in US format are listed for each opera, as are all available motion picture and laser disks. Recommended for all academic library reference sections.?-Choice, ?A very welcome addition to a relatively new corner of music bibliography. Opera Mediagraphy lists operas issued in film (16 and 35mm) and video (videotape or laser disk) formate. The entries are attractively laid out and easy to read and include a description of the original production (stage, TV, film), technical specifications (sound, color, duration), and language (including subtitles). The cast lists are complete and match performers to their roles. Especially welcome is the inclusion of citations for reviews drawn from more than twenty-two published sources.?-RQ Summer 1994

SHARON G. ALMQUIST is Head of the Media Library at the University of North Texas. She is author of Sound Recordings and the Library (1987) and Music at the University of Buffalo: The Baird Years, which appeared in American Music(1992). She is a reviewer for Video Rating Guide For Libraries.