Cambridge University Press

it constantly stimulates thought, Kimbell utters many perceptive judgements, and few that are not supported by sound evidence and a fine critical discrimination — Music and Letters More…

A valuable contribution not only to the study of late eighteenth-century opera but to our awareness of the priorities, absorptions and obsessions of cultured Europe on the eve of the French Revolution — The Times More…

This is very much the academic's Wagner, pinned out dry on the dissection table ... [an] impressive and information-packed volume — BBC Music Magazine More…

the Companion should encourage anyone remotely interested in singing to venture beyond the Western mainstream and investigate Buddhist chant, qawwali or the challenges of Berio and John Cage — BBC Music Magazine More…

Each [essay] is a considered, thought-provoking exploration of one or more aspects of Tristan, carefully argued and generously annotated — Opera Magazine More…

essential reading for the opera-goer willing to put in a little effort that certainly repays the reward of an added awareness of all aspects of this great work — Opera Now More…

if you are interested in finding out about Wagner or think for one minute that you know everything about The Flying Dutchman, you should go out and buy this book immediately — BBC Music Magazine More…