Seven Mozart Librettos: A Verse Translation (Hardcover)
By J.D. McClatchy

A landmark event in the world of music, Mozart’s seven major librettos have finally been translated in verse with a sparkling poetic quality that matches the magnificence of the originals. 

Beginning this epic endeavor with his translation of The Magic Flute, first introduced at the Metropolitan Opera, McClatchy has now completed his translations of Idomeneo, The Abduction from the Seraglio, The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, Così Fan Tutte, and La Clemenza di Tito. 

The result is a brilliantly translated and handsomely designed volume that brings the lively wordplay and drama of the originals to life in a verse that matches the exuberance and lyricism of the original Da Ponte, Schikaneder, Varesco, Mazzolà, and Stephanie librettos. 

With facing-page text and an illuminating introduction to each opera – including a dramatic recap, a history of the opera, and a list of characters – this book is a masterpiece, the likes of which has never been seen in English before. Includes eight black and white illustrations.

“McClatchy’s translations are marvelously supple, lucid, and spirited. Not only does he break new ground by translating verse into verse, he is also attuned to the wit and profound loneliness and longing in Mozart, infusing each finely crafted line with emotion. Accompanied by scintillating and incisive commentary, each libretto is presented in both its original language and in English on facing pages, making for a unique and thrilling tour de force.” – Booklist

• Hardcover: 1184 pages
• Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co.; illustrated edition (December 13, 2010)
• Dimensions: 6.6” x 9.6”

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