"It is all too easy to be amazed by
a performance at the opera house, without considering the work of all those not on stage
that went into producing the event. And no matter how often performers take the time,
Oscar fashion, to thank 'all those without whom this production would not have been
possible,' the audience rarely gets the full picture. Martha Hart's photographic diary of
two years spent with San Diego Opera, however, certainly gives us that.
"Hart has not only included pictures
of those involved in each opera production that she followed, from its inception through
its rehearsal to the opening night, but has also alternated these chapters with
concentrated looks at different areas of production. Thus, we begin with the orchestra and
the conductors, then an in-depth look at the work of the directors, followed by the design
work and backstage preparations; the chorus; the stage management and tech crews and the
principal singers. There are also chapters dealing with those involved in the
administration of the house, as well as the education and outreach programmes and, last,
but by no means least -- the audience. On top of all this, the book is peppered with
insightful comments from all those involved and fascinating little snippets of information
about those pictured. Richard Bonynge's foreword reveals why the pictures are so
successful, 'At no time was one aware of the presence of a photographer, and the
naturalness and quality of the photographs proves this.' Readers will certainly find
the book a fascinating insight into work that is all too often taken for granted."
