A breezy book about opera personalities...

[Febnyc]

is "Cinderella & Company," written by Manuela Hoelterhoff.

This book, ostensibly, centers on Cecilia Bartoli and follows her and her entourage (mother, boy friend and assorted relatives) around the globe, and documents her early career (the book was written in 1998).

But it's so much more - really a bitchy, catty and enormously funny exposé of backstage goings-on in the opera world. The portraits of singers, house managers, personal managers and assorted denizens of the territory are often hilarious.

There are some glorious passages about Pavarotti/Domingo and lots of good stuff on "The Love Couple," - Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna.

Much of the action takes place at the Met, naturally, and in restaurants, locations around Lincoln Center. James Levine appears often and the chapter about the arrangements necessary to stage the 1996 gala in his honor is a gem.

If you have any interest in opera, and haven't read this book - you're missing some grand entertainment.

[Ralph]

I'll have to get it. I assume I'm mentioned somewhere.

[Allen]

is "Cinderella & Company," written by Manuela Hoelterhoff.

This book, ostensibly, centers on Cecilia Bartoli and follows her and her entourage (mother, boy friend and assorted relatives) around the globe, and documents her early career (the book was written in 1998).

But it's so much more - really a bitchy, catty and enormously funny exposé of backstage goings-on in the opera world. The portraits of singers, house managers, personal managers and assorted denizens of the territory are often hilarious.

There are some glorious passages about Pavarotti/Domingo and lots of good stuff on "The Love Couple," - Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna.

Much of the action takes place at the Met, naturally, and in restaurants, locations around Lincoln Center. James Levine appears often and the chapter about the arrangements necessary to stage the 1996 gala in his honor is a gem.

If you have any interest in opera, and haven't read this book - you're missing some grand entertainment.

Thanks for the heads up. Will buy.

[Ralph]

I just ordered a copy from Amazon. They have a lot of used copies in good condition for very little.

[GK]

No need to buy the book. Simply google the title and read the reviews to get most of the anecdotes many of which are also included in Johanna Fiedler's "Molto Agitato."