by Christopher Webber
with a Foreword by Plácido Domingo

(Scarecrow Press, 352 pages, $45 hardcover)
European distribution £34
Library of Congress: 2002110168
ISBN 0-8108-4447-8

A guide to the great zarzuelas, composers, writers and singers. 60 works are covered in depth, with full synopses and commentaries, plus many others in "mini-synopsis". Other features include sections on History, Zarzuela Today, Cuban and Catalan zarzuela, plus full and up to date discography, bibliography and glossary of Spanish terms.

PRESS QUOTES

"Throughout, Webber mixes approachability with good scholarship ... the text itself is so illuminating. No existing lover of zarzuela should be without the book, and the hope must be that it helps the genre to achieve the appreciation in English-speaking countries that its wonderful music so richly deserves"
(Andrew Lamb, Gramophone, May 2003)

"Totally absorbing ... superbly informative ... Webber's knowledge is encyclopaedic, his passion for the genre infectious, and his skill as a proselytiser impressive ... Highly recommended"
(Martin Hoyle, Time Out, London, April-May 2003)

"Mr. Webber's book does a lot to fill this vacuum. It is greatly informative, concise, elegantly written and well presented ... The value of this work for English speakers is incalculable."
(Pablo Zinger, zarzuela.net, April 2003)

"This is a welcome, important and valuable book which merits (and I hope will achieve) wide appeal ... The Zarzuela Companion is an indispensable book which deserves every success"
(Robert Matthew-Walker, International Record Review , June 2003)

"¡Por fin! Finally, an English-language guide to zarzuela ... and my praise for it is immeasurable ... To quote Ira Gershwin, 'Who could ask for anything more?' ... Gracias, Señor Webber, for this superb, much-needed volume!"
(Richard Traubner, Opera , May 2003)

"This is the English language guide to Zarzuela. It sits very happily next to the Grove Opera and the New Penguin Opera Guide and need not blush in that company. "
(Rob Barnett, MusicWeb , July 2003)

"Everywhere the author's wit and erudition enhance the comprehensive information ... One must hope that this superlative book ... will find a home with all who love La Zarzuela"
(Vivian Liff, American Record Guide , Sept-Oct 2003)

"Christopher Webber's book is a treasure trove of information ... an indispensable reference guide, a pleasure to read and browse because of its author's enthusiasm, skill and knowledge of his subject."
(from Plácido Domingo's foreword)