Handel's Bestiary
In Search of Animals in Handel's Operas
Donna Leon, Michael Sowa
- 144 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
Handel's Bestiary
In Search of Animals in Handel's Operas
Donna Leon, Michael Sowa
About This Book
The New York Times âbestselling author delivers "a real tour de force" celebrating the fauna in Handel's operasâwith original illustrations by Michael Sowa ( News âAustria). When acclaimed novelist Donna Leon is not conjuring up tales of crime and corruption in Veniceâor appreciating its delicious cuisineâshe revels in music. And for Leon, that usually means the work of her favorite composer, George Frideric Handel. Over the years, Leon has noticed that the great musician filled his operas with arias that make reference to animals. Rich in symbolism, the perceived virtues and vices of the lion, bee, nightingale, snake, elephant, and tiger, among others, resonate in his works. Here, Leon draws on her love of Handel and her expertise in medieval bestiaries, illustrated collections of animal stories, to assemble a one of her ownâtwelve chapters that trace twelve animals through history, mythology, and the Handel arias they inhabit. Each exploration is joined by whimsical original illustrations by German painter Michael Sowa. A fascinating, utterly original book that is "as clever as it is entertaining, " Handel's Bestiary springs to life with Leon's knowledge, passion, and wit ( Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung âGermany).