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Narrator
Frederick Davidson
This audiobook uses AI narration.
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Length
14 hours 43 minutes
Language
English
The Cornish Foundation is thriving under the directorship of Arthur Cornish when he and his beguiling wife, Maria Theotoky, decide to undertake a project worthy of the late art expert, collector, and notable eccentric Francis Cornish, whose vast fortune endows the Foundation. It is decided that the Foundation will fund the doctoral work of one Hulda Schnakenburg, a grumpy, remarkably unattractive, and extraordinarily talented music student. Her task is to complete the score of an unfinished opera by the Romantic composer E. T. A. Hoffmann. Additionally, and against all common sense, the Foundation will endeavor to stage the opera, entitledArthur of Britain, or The Magnanimous Cuckold. The scholarly priest Simon Darcourt finds himself charged with writing the libretto.
As the production takes shape, complications both practical and emotional arise: the gypsy in Maria's blood rises with a vengeance; Darcourt stoops to petty crime; and various others indulge in perjury, blackmail, and other unsavory pursuits. Hoffman's dictum, "The lyre of Orpheus opens the door of the underworld," proves all too true—especially when the long-hidden secrets of Francis Cornish himself are finally revealed.
Robertson Davies (1913–1995) was an internationally acclaimed author, actor, publisher, and, finally, professor at the University of Toronto. The author of twelve novels and several volumes of essays and plays, he was the first Canadian to be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.
Reviews
“Robertson Davies is the sort of novelist readers can hardly wait to tell their friends about.”
“Packed with interesting details of opera history and production, boasting some new, eccentric characters, and pulling together Davies’s various themes in a harmonic resolution…[with] intelligent observations and playful allusions.”
“[Davies’] characters fascinate, and his gentle, graceful style makes no demands on the reader. His civilized prose should read well aloud—indeed, Davidson helps one hear its strengths. He provides an intelligent, expressive, well-paced rendering of the narrative…as well as vivid impersonations of the characters.”
“Old fans will be delighted, and new readers intrigued…With his wonderfully complex yet controlled plot, deft portrayal of eccentric characters, and great wit, Davies effectively satirizes the world of universities and foundations.”
“Hilariously effective.”
“Davis once again delivers the goods…A spry jaunt from an old master—once again in full command of the form.”
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