The Only Way Is Up
Reflections of a life in opera
By Sir Donald McIntyre with David Rees | Publisher: Quentin Wilson Publishing
About the book
Until the age of twenty, Donald McIntyre hoped to play for the All Blacks, and was on his way to achieving that aim. As a young man, however, he acknowledged his exceptional voice and opted for a career in singing. After leaving New Zealand and arriving in London, McIntyre set his sights on the world of opera. His spectacular musical life saw him conquering the stages of two London companies in the 1960s and 70s: Sadler's Wells and ROH Covent Garden. His increasing command of Wagner roles brought him to the notice of Richard Wagner's grandson Wolfgang Wagner, and in 1967 he made his debut appearance in Lohengrin. For the next seventeen years, he sang in every Festival cycle and became the first \"British\" musician to sing the role of Wotan in Wagner's mighty, four-opera Ring. Recognised for nearly three decades as the definitive Flying Dutchman, McIntyre also starred in the Bayreuth Centennial Ring in a production by Patrice Chereau that completely revolutionised Wagner opera, and shot him to lasting fame, and in 1992, a knighthood. In this fascinating memoir, \"Sir Don\" looks back over a huge slice of operatic history and his role in it. Mixing fun and gossip with judgement and insight, he brings to life a teeming gallery of the world's most famous musicians - singers, conductors, directors, teachers, designers, sponsors ... all the movers and shakers in the opera world of two generations. Edited by music professor and well-known New Zealand Wagnerian, Heath Lees, this book is a fitting monument to Sir Donald's magnificent half-century in opera.
Editions of The Only Way Is Up
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780995105331
Read an Excerpt
Until the age of twenty, Donald McIntyre hoped to play for the All Blacks, and was on his way to achieving that aim. As a young man, however, he acknowledged his exceptional voice and opted for a career in singing. After leaving New Zealand and arriving in London, McIntyre set his sights on the world of opera. His spectacular musical life saw him conquering the stages of two London companies in the 1960s and 70s: Sadler's Wells and ROH Covent Garden. His increasing command of Wagner roles brought him to the notice of Richard Wagner's grandson Wolfgang Wagner, and in 1967 he made his debut appearance in Lohengrin. For the next seventeen years, he sang in every Festival cycle and became the first \"British\" musician to sing the role of Wotan in Wagner's mighty, four-opera Ring. Recognised for nearly three decades as the definitive Flying Dutchman, McIntyre also starred in the Bayreuth Centennial Ring in a production by Patrice Chereau that completely revolutionised Wagner opera, and shot him to lasting fame, and in 1992, a knighthood. In this fascinating memoir, \"Sir Don\" looks back over a huge slice of operatic history and his role in it. Mixing fun and gossip with judgement and insight, he brings to life a teeming gallery of the world's most famous musicians - singers, conductors, directors, teachers, designers, sponsors ... all the movers and shakers in the opera world of two generations. Edited by music professor and well-known New Zealand Wagnerian, Heath Lees, this book is a fitting monument to Sir Donald's magnificent half-century in opera.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Only Way Is Up about?
Until the age of twenty, Donald McIntyre hoped to play for the All Blacks, and was on his way to achieving that aim. As a young man, however, he acknowledged his exceptional voice and opted for a career in singing. After leaving New Zealand and arriving in London, McIntyre set his sights on the world of opera. His spectacular musical life saw him conquering the stages of two London companies in the 1960s and 70s: Sadler's Wells and ROH Covent Garden. His increasing command of Wagner roles brought him to the notice of Richard Wagner's grandson Wolfgang Wagner, and in 1967 he made his debut appearance in Lohengrin. For the next seventeen years, he sang in every Festival cycle and became the first \"British\" musician to sing the role of Wotan in Wagner's mighty, four-opera Ring. Recognised for nearly three decades as the definitive Flying Dutchman, McIntyre also starred in the Bayreuth Centennial Ring in a production by Patrice Chereau that completely revolutionised Wagner opera, and shot him to lasting fame, and in 1992, a knighthood. In this fascinating memoir, \"Sir Don\" looks back over a huge slice of operatic history and his role in it. Mixing fun and gossip with judgement and insight, he brings to life a teeming gallery of the world's most famous musicians - singers, conductors, directors, teachers, designers, sponsors ... all the movers and shakers in the opera world of two generations. Edited by music professor and well-known New Zealand Wagnerian, Heath Lees, this book is a fitting monument to Sir Donald's magnificent half-century in opera.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Only Way Is Up?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general
Where can I read a sample of The Only Way Is Up?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780995105331
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Only Way Is Up?
Sir Donald McIntyre with David Rees
Who is the Publisher of the book The Only Way Is Up?
Quentin Wilson Publishing
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Only Way Is Up is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780995105331)
Where can I buy The Only Way Is Up online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Only Way Is Up from below
Where can I buy The Only Way Is Up?