Said on Opera

Said on Opera by Edward W. Said invites readers into a luminous conversation where music, language, and politics meet on the operatic stage. Written with Said’s trademark clarity and intellectual vigor, this collection of essays and reflections guides both seasoned opera-goers and curious newcomers through the art form’s aesthetic power and cultural meanings.

You’ll find compelling close readings and sharp critical observations that illuminate how opera constructs narrative, character, and public memory. Said’s perspective as a leading literary critic brings fresh attention to performance, staging, and interpretation, showing how opera resonates beyond the theatre—shaping identity, taste, and social debate across cultures.

This edition is ideal for anyone interested in music criticism, cultural studies, or the humanities. It’s accessible enough for general readers yet rich in insight for students, scholars, and professionals in the performing arts. Thoughtful, provocative, and deeply humane, Said’s essays encourage readers to listen more carefully and think more broadly about the stories opera tells and the audiences it moves.

Perfect for readers in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond, Said on Opera is both an essential companion to performance and a rewarding standalone read. Add this powerful, elegantly written work to your collection and rediscover opera through one of the 20th century’s most influential minds. Order now to bring sophisticated musical criticism home.

Note: eBooks do not include supplementary materials such as CDs, access codes, etc.