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Space Opera
Coronet, British paperback, 1982. This reprints the 1965 paperback original novel. A tale of an opera company touring in outer space.
168 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1965
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320 people want to read
About the author
Jack Vance
776 books1,583 followersAka John Holbrook Vance, Peter Held, John Holbrook, Ellery Queen, John van See, Alan Wade.
The author was born in 1916 and educated at the University of California, first as a mining engineer, then majoring in physics and finally in journalism. During the 1940s and 1950s, he contributed widely to science fiction and fantasy magazines. His first novel, The Dying Earth , was published in 1950 to great acclaim. He won both of science fiction's most coveted trophies, the Hugo and Nebula awards. He also won an Edgar Award for his mystery novel The Man in the Cage . He lived in Oakland, California in a house he designed.
The author was born in 1916 and educated at the University of California, first as a mining engineer, then majoring in physics and finally in journalism. During the 1940s and 1950s, he contributed widely to science fiction and fantasy magazines. His first novel, The Dying Earth , was published in 1950 to great acclaim. He won both of science fiction's most coveted trophies, the Hugo and Nebula awards. He also won an Edgar Award for his mystery novel The Man in the Cage . He lived in Oakland, California in a house he designed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 7, 2024
an ideal way to spend a soggy day indoors. the author seemed to be in a relaxed mood when writing this lark and reading it was in turn a relaxing experience. the plot: Vance literalizes the term "space opera" by detailing the misadventures of an opera company touring various worlds, all in a condescending attempt to bring music and culture to various primitive backwaters. the results are as amusing as one would expect, given the writer and the plot. a pungent perspective on the inevitable downward trajectory of the human race is provided by way of a young woman's longing to be reunited with her homeworld; alas, you can never go home again. as a person who loves dry wit, traveling, opera, and dragonish grande dames (one of which is the book's best character), Space Opera delighted me from start to finish.
May 28, 2024
Space Opera was written by Jack Vance in 1964 and first published by Pyramid Books in 1965. Vance had been contracted to write a "space opera." Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes interplanetary adventure, romance, and melodrama. Vance humorously wrote a novel about musical operas in outer space. This is a light hearted, enjoyable to read, 148/160 page novel that is likely to appeal to most Vance fans. Although the opera troupe featured in this book plays some serious opera, the book itself is definitely "comic opera." Spatterlight Press in 2017 released a high quality trade paperback that I highly recommend. All other editions appear to be out of print.
For the most recent review and other Vance reviews please see:
https://vancealotjackvanceinreview.bl...
The story begins with our main character, Roger Wool, sitting behind his aunt's concert box at the Palladian Theater drinking champagne. (Rather than Vance's preferred Scotch.) His aunt, the wealthy Dame Isabel Grayce, Secretary-Treasurer of the Opera League, sits in front of him listening to the Ninth Company of Rlaru, a musical group from another planet who play strange music for Earth residents. Some critics think the group is made up of people from Earth and that it is all a hoax. Others are convinced that the unusual music is authentic and are captivated by its innovation and creativity. Critics find it difficult to believe that an alien species has been able to develop sophisticated music that others find comprehensible and enjoyable. It does not help that nobody has heard of the planet Rlaru and that the space pilot who brought them to Earth and is making much money from their concerts is not very reputable. The musicians look similar to Earth people, although "they were flexible and frail, and somehow one received the impression that their internal organs were different in formation and arrangement from those of Earth-folk."
Dame Grayce subsequently invites a famous musicologist to one of the Ninth Company concerts to conduct a critical review of their music, but he is never able to hear them because the entire orchestra suddenly disappears over night without trace. No ships left Earth so it is as though they were mysteriously transported off planet.
Dame Grayce learns that the space pilot, Adolph Gondar, who brought the Ninth Company to Earth had promised a cultural exchange program of music with the inhabitants of the planet Rlaru so she becomes obsessed with the idea of forming an opera group called the Phoebus Company to travel to other planets to stage famous operas to enrich the lives of intelligent alien beings. Eventually she wants to reach the planet of Rlaru from where the Ninth Company originated so she can return their favor with a cultural exchange. Gondar is the only pilot who can both operate their spaceship (also called the Phoebus) and who also knows how to reach the planet of Rlaru so hiring him is essential to her plans. Bringing along her nephew, Roger, is not part of her plans but she ends up doing so anyhow when he insists and offers to photograph and chronicle the expedition. And her plans definitely did not include Roger bringing along his new girl friend as a stow away. Unknown to Dame Grayce, her nephew Roger has developed an infatuation with a young woman whom he wants to marry so he smuggles her aboard. She has plans of her own, though, and this leads to major complications, intrigues, manipulations and mysteries that are eventually sorted out. The famous musicologist also joins them.
Vance provides us with humorous and entertaining adventures of an opera company from Earth that travels to other worlds to introduce opera to the intelligent, humanoid inhabitants on different planets. Prior to performing, the leaders of the troupe read about the customs, culture and preferences of the inhabitants on each planet and attempt to adapt the opera to their tastes. In addition to carefully choosing the most applicable opera, they initially even modify the libretti, costumes and stage settings to try to make the presentation more culturally acceptable. On one planet, for example, the inhabitants called byzantaurs live in blowholes in the earth so Dame Grayce chose to perform for them the Beethoven opera Fidelio because much of the action in the opera occurs in a dungeon that is somewhat similar to the blowholes. Despite careful planning and much effort, the performances are met with odd, unpredictable responses by audiences based on local ideas about music, unusual customs and assumptions of why the company is visiting. The opera troupe also has to contend with unexpected competition from a musical group called the Tough Luck Jug Band that was created for fun by some of the spaceship crew.
This is a lighthearted novel with irony, humor and much satire, contrasting different customs and cultures. Humor is very subjective so readers will respond differently. If you also happen to like opera, which I do, that might provide an extra attraction. Fans of Vance will probably want to read this novel. I’ve read it three times and rated it a 4, “Really liked it.”
For the most recent review and other Vance reviews please see:
https://vancealotjackvanceinreview.bl...
The story begins with our main character, Roger Wool, sitting behind his aunt's concert box at the Palladian Theater drinking champagne. (Rather than Vance's preferred Scotch.) His aunt, the wealthy Dame Isabel Grayce, Secretary-Treasurer of the Opera League, sits in front of him listening to the Ninth Company of Rlaru, a musical group from another planet who play strange music for Earth residents. Some critics think the group is made up of people from Earth and that it is all a hoax. Others are convinced that the unusual music is authentic and are captivated by its innovation and creativity. Critics find it difficult to believe that an alien species has been able to develop sophisticated music that others find comprehensible and enjoyable. It does not help that nobody has heard of the planet Rlaru and that the space pilot who brought them to Earth and is making much money from their concerts is not very reputable. The musicians look similar to Earth people, although "they were flexible and frail, and somehow one received the impression that their internal organs were different in formation and arrangement from those of Earth-folk."
Dame Grayce subsequently invites a famous musicologist to one of the Ninth Company concerts to conduct a critical review of their music, but he is never able to hear them because the entire orchestra suddenly disappears over night without trace. No ships left Earth so it is as though they were mysteriously transported off planet.
Dame Grayce learns that the space pilot, Adolph Gondar, who brought the Ninth Company to Earth had promised a cultural exchange program of music with the inhabitants of the planet Rlaru so she becomes obsessed with the idea of forming an opera group called the Phoebus Company to travel to other planets to stage famous operas to enrich the lives of intelligent alien beings. Eventually she wants to reach the planet of Rlaru from where the Ninth Company originated so she can return their favor with a cultural exchange. Gondar is the only pilot who can both operate their spaceship (also called the Phoebus) and who also knows how to reach the planet of Rlaru so hiring him is essential to her plans. Bringing along her nephew, Roger, is not part of her plans but she ends up doing so anyhow when he insists and offers to photograph and chronicle the expedition. And her plans definitely did not include Roger bringing along his new girl friend as a stow away. Unknown to Dame Grayce, her nephew Roger has developed an infatuation with a young woman whom he wants to marry so he smuggles her aboard. She has plans of her own, though, and this leads to major complications, intrigues, manipulations and mysteries that are eventually sorted out. The famous musicologist also joins them.
Vance provides us with humorous and entertaining adventures of an opera company from Earth that travels to other worlds to introduce opera to the intelligent, humanoid inhabitants on different planets. Prior to performing, the leaders of the troupe read about the customs, culture and preferences of the inhabitants on each planet and attempt to adapt the opera to their tastes. In addition to carefully choosing the most applicable opera, they initially even modify the libretti, costumes and stage settings to try to make the presentation more culturally acceptable. On one planet, for example, the inhabitants called byzantaurs live in blowholes in the earth so Dame Grayce chose to perform for them the Beethoven opera Fidelio because much of the action in the opera occurs in a dungeon that is somewhat similar to the blowholes. Despite careful planning and much effort, the performances are met with odd, unpredictable responses by audiences based on local ideas about music, unusual customs and assumptions of why the company is visiting. The opera troupe also has to contend with unexpected competition from a musical group called the Tough Luck Jug Band that was created for fun by some of the spaceship crew.
This is a lighthearted novel with irony, humor and much satire, contrasting different customs and cultures. Humor is very subjective so readers will respond differently. If you also happen to like opera, which I do, that might provide an extra attraction. Fans of Vance will probably want to read this novel. I’ve read it three times and rated it a 4, “Really liked it.”
October 31, 2013
Vance plays on the phrase 'Space Opera' by offering ... space opera. The result is the very definition of farce, as a well-meaning philanthropist and her opera troupe wander the stars offering a taste of Earth's culture.
The setup is decent, and the fulfillment is okay, but for me this lacked Vance's usual sparkle and color. It's funny, but not as funny as Vance often is. The characters are drawn too clearly; there's not much in the way of subtlety. It's an episodic story, and the episodes are fun, but it doesn't really add up to much.
Certainly worth reading for Vance fans, and somewhat for those looking for a light read, or one with operatic references. Otherwise, I recommend looking for some of Vance's other, and much stronger work.
CVIE V
The setup is decent, and the fulfillment is okay, but for me this lacked Vance's usual sparkle and color. It's funny, but not as funny as Vance often is. The characters are drawn too clearly; there's not much in the way of subtlety. It's an episodic story, and the episodes are fun, but it doesn't really add up to much.
Certainly worth reading for Vance fans, and somewhat for those looking for a light read, or one with operatic references. Otherwise, I recommend looking for some of Vance's other, and much stronger work.
CVIE V
November 24, 2019
3.3⭐
Light hearted farce about an opera company cruising the space ways to bring high Earth culture to the (mostly uninterested) alien masses. Written in Vance's usual baroque style, it's a strange mashup of PG Wodehouse and Robert Heinlein. Along the way Vance takes humorous shots at musicians, opera singers, culture vultures, etc. One of the author's lesser works but still a quick and fun read. Vance fans will be happy.
Light hearted farce about an opera company cruising the space ways to bring high Earth culture to the (mostly uninterested) alien masses. Written in Vance's usual baroque style, it's a strange mashup of PG Wodehouse and Robert Heinlein. Along the way Vance takes humorous shots at musicians, opera singers, culture vultures, etc. One of the author's lesser works but still a quick and fun read. Vance fans will be happy.
May 27, 2024
Space Opera was written by Jack Vance in 1964 and first published by Pyramid Books in 1965. Vance had been contracted to write a "space opera." Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes interplanetary adventure, romance, and melodrama. Vance humorously wrote a novel about musical operas in outer space. This is a light hearted, enjoyable to read, 148/160 page novel that is likely to appeal to most Vance fans. Although the opera troupe featured in this book plays some serious opera, the book itself is definitely "comic opera." Spatterlight Press in 2017 released a high quality trade paperback that I highly recommend. All other editions appear to be out of print.
For the most recent review and other Vance reviews please see:
https://vancealotjackvanceinreview.bl...
The story begins with our main character, Roger Wool, sitting behind his aunt's concert box at the Palladian Theater drinking champagne. (Rather than Vance's preferred Scotch.) His aunt, the wealthy Dame Isabel Grayce, Secretary-Treasurer of the Opera League, sits in front of him listening to the Ninth Company of Rlaru, a musical group from another planet who play strange music for Earth residents. Some critics think the group is made up of people from Earth and that it is all a hoax. Others are convinced that the unusual music is authentic and are captivated by its innovation and creativity. Critics find it difficult to believe that an alien species has been able to develop sophisticated music that others find comprehensible and enjoyable. It does not help that nobody has heard of the planet Rlaru and that the space pilot who brought them to Earth and is making much money from their concerts is not very reputable. The musicians look similar to Earth people, although "they were flexible and frail, and somehow one received the impression that their internal organs were different in formation and arrangement from those of Earth-folk."
Dame Grayce subsequently invites a famous musicologist to one of the Ninth Company concerts to conduct a critical review of their music, but he is never able to hear them because the entire orchestra suddenly disappears over night without trace. No ships left Earth so it is as though they were mysteriously transported off planet.
Dame Grayce learns that the space pilot, Adolph Gondar, who brought the Ninth Company to Earth had promised a cultural exchange program of music with the inhabitants of the planet Rlaru so she becomes obsessed with the idea of forming an opera group called the Phoebus Company to travel to other planets to stage famous operas to enrich the lives of intelligent alien beings. Eventually she wants to reach the planet of Rlaru from where the Ninth Company originated so she can return their favor with a cultural exchange. Gondar is the only pilot who can both operate their spaceship (also called the Phoebus) and who also knows how to reach the planet of Rlaru so hiring him is essential to her plans. Bringing along her nephew, Roger, is not part of her plans but she ends up doing so anyhow when he insists and offers to photograph and chronicle the expedition. And her plans definitely did not include Roger bringing along his new girl friend as a stow away. Unknown to Dame Grayce, her nephew Roger has developed an infatuation with a young woman whom he wants to marry so he smuggles her aboard. She has plans of her own, though, and this leads to major complications, intrigues, manipulations and mysteries that are eventually sorted out. The famous musicologist also joins them.
Vance provides us with humorous and entertaining adventures of an opera company from Earth that travels to other worlds to introduce opera to the intelligent, humanoid inhabitants on different planets. Prior to performing, the leaders of the troupe read about the customs, culture and preferences of the inhabitants on each planet and attempt to adapt the opera to their tastes. In addition to carefully choosing the most applicable opera, they initially even modify the libretti, costumes and stage settings to try to make the presentation more culturally acceptable. On one planet, for example, the inhabitants called byzantaurs live in blowholes in the earth so Dame Grayce chose to perform for them the Beethoven opera Fidelio because much of the action in the opera occurs in a dungeon that is somewhat similar to the blowholes. Despite careful planning and much effort, the performances are met with odd, unpredictable responses by audiences based on local ideas about music, unusual customs and assumptions of why the company is visiting. The opera troupe also has to contend with unexpected competition from a musical group called the Tough Luck Jug Band that was created for fun by some of the spaceship crew.
This is a lighthearted novel with irony, humor and much satire, contrasting different customs and cultures. Humor is very subjective so readers will respond differently. If you also happen to like opera, which I do, that might provide an extra attraction. Fans of Vance will probably want to read this novel. I’ve read it three times and rated it a 4, “Really liked it.”
For the most recent review and other Vance reviews please see:
https://vancealotjackvanceinreview.bl...
The story begins with our main character, Roger Wool, sitting behind his aunt's concert box at the Palladian Theater drinking champagne. (Rather than Vance's preferred Scotch.) His aunt, the wealthy Dame Isabel Grayce, Secretary-Treasurer of the Opera League, sits in front of him listening to the Ninth Company of Rlaru, a musical group from another planet who play strange music for Earth residents. Some critics think the group is made up of people from Earth and that it is all a hoax. Others are convinced that the unusual music is authentic and are captivated by its innovation and creativity. Critics find it difficult to believe that an alien species has been able to develop sophisticated music that others find comprehensible and enjoyable. It does not help that nobody has heard of the planet Rlaru and that the space pilot who brought them to Earth and is making much money from their concerts is not very reputable. The musicians look similar to Earth people, although "they were flexible and frail, and somehow one received the impression that their internal organs were different in formation and arrangement from those of Earth-folk."
Dame Grayce subsequently invites a famous musicologist to one of the Ninth Company concerts to conduct a critical review of their music, but he is never able to hear them because the entire orchestra suddenly disappears over night without trace. No ships left Earth so it is as though they were mysteriously transported off planet.
Dame Grayce learns that the space pilot, Adolph Gondar, who brought the Ninth Company to Earth had promised a cultural exchange program of music with the inhabitants of the planet Rlaru so she becomes obsessed with the idea of forming an opera group called the Phoebus Company to travel to other planets to stage famous operas to enrich the lives of intelligent alien beings. Eventually she wants to reach the planet of Rlaru from where the Ninth Company originated so she can return their favor with a cultural exchange. Gondar is the only pilot who can both operate their spaceship (also called the Phoebus) and who also knows how to reach the planet of Rlaru so hiring him is essential to her plans. Bringing along her nephew, Roger, is not part of her plans but she ends up doing so anyhow when he insists and offers to photograph and chronicle the expedition. And her plans definitely did not include Roger bringing along his new girl friend as a stow away. Unknown to Dame Grayce, her nephew Roger has developed an infatuation with a young woman whom he wants to marry so he smuggles her aboard. She has plans of her own, though, and this leads to major complications, intrigues, manipulations and mysteries that are eventually sorted out. The famous musicologist also joins them.
Vance provides us with humorous and entertaining adventures of an opera company from Earth that travels to other worlds to introduce opera to the intelligent, humanoid inhabitants on different planets. Prior to performing, the leaders of the troupe read about the customs, culture and preferences of the inhabitants on each planet and attempt to adapt the opera to their tastes. In addition to carefully choosing the most applicable opera, they initially even modify the libretti, costumes and stage settings to try to make the presentation more culturally acceptable. On one planet, for example, the inhabitants called byzantaurs live in blowholes in the earth so Dame Grayce chose to perform for them the Beethoven opera Fidelio because much of the action in the opera occurs in a dungeon that is somewhat similar to the blowholes. Despite careful planning and much effort, the performances are met with odd, unpredictable responses by audiences based on local ideas about music, unusual customs and assumptions of why the company is visiting. The opera troupe also has to contend with unexpected competition from a musical group called the Tough Luck Jug Band that was created for fun by some of the spaceship crew.
This is a lighthearted novel with irony, humor and much satire, contrasting different customs and cultures. Humor is very subjective so readers will respond differently. If you also happen to like opera, which I do, that might provide an extra attraction. Fans of Vance will probably want to read this novel. I’ve read it three times and rated it a 4, “Really liked it.”
February 18, 2013
The book is divided among several subplots: the journey to the mysterious planet Rlaru, the mysterious interference and mission of Madoc Roswyn, and the continual conflict between Roger Wool and his wealthy aunt Dame Isabel. All within the comic framework of a space-traveling opera troupe as it encounters unappreciative or incompatible civilizations for performances.
It's about one component too many for the limited space, and as a result each of these things feels slightly short-changed. ()
The highlights are, of course, the characters. Dame Isabel is an obstinate and self-important society lady with certain strong ideas about the height of culture that she represents and what she brings the other worlds. In a strange move for Vance, she is pretty much the protagonist for the piece, taking the role away from her callow nephew Roger Wool, whose main interests are avoiding work and inheriting her wealth. Vance's usual ploy is for the loutish youth to develop unexpected depths and competences under duress.
It's about one component too many for the limited space, and as a result each of these things feels slightly short-changed. ()
The highlights are, of course, the characters. Dame Isabel is an obstinate and self-important society lady with certain strong ideas about the height of culture that she represents and what she brings the other worlds. In a strange move for Vance, she is pretty much the protagonist for the piece, taking the role away from her callow nephew Roger Wool, whose main interests are avoiding work and inheriting her wealth. Vance's usual ploy is for the loutish youth to develop unexpected depths and competences under duress.
October 9, 2012
If PG Wodehouse wrote a SF novel, this would probably be it. There's a certain fussiness in the writing that seems more Edwardian than futuristic. Vance's witty dialog and fast-paced plot, which involves a rich, overbearing aunt who brings Earth operas to the universe via a touring company, make this a fun, fast read. But the book also actually has something to say too about assumptions of cultural superiority. The satire is Swiftian at times.
July 24, 2020
Meh.
October 4, 2022
In this pun-tastically titled story, Jack Vance gives us a space opera about, er, opera in space. Roger Wool's rich, eccentric aunt is very into opera and when she encounters a troupe from another world, she is determined to return the favour and bring an opera company into space, travelling the stars and ending finally at the mysterious planet Rlaru. Needless to say, things don't go according to plan.
This is an odd book, and one that took a while to grow on me. I think the author was going for wry humour, which didn't entirely work for me. Dame Isabel's snobbishness and the fawning of her entourage should have been funny, but I mostly just rolled my eyes. The first section that actually worked for me was the visit to the prison planet, which was actually quite clever, and I quite liked the way that Madoc Roswyn manipulated so many of the crew (even though it was fairly transparent, from the outside, at least). Her story was interesting in its own right, complete with sunken, lost continent!
The question on whether music is universal amongst sentient species is a fascinating one, and what sort of tones and scales might be used. There's a bit of that here, but it's mostly steamrollered over in Dame Isabel's snobbishness on the subject, and her unwillingness to attempt to understand or appreciate music outwith her narrow operatic obsession.
To me the book felt competent and solid, but the humour didn't work for me.
This is an odd book, and one that took a while to grow on me. I think the author was going for wry humour, which didn't entirely work for me. Dame Isabel's snobbishness and the fawning of her entourage should have been funny, but I mostly just rolled my eyes. The first section that actually worked for me was the visit to the prison planet, which was actually quite clever, and I quite liked the way that Madoc Roswyn manipulated so many of the crew (even though it was fairly transparent, from the outside, at least). Her story was interesting in its own right, complete with sunken, lost continent!
The question on whether music is universal amongst sentient species is a fascinating one, and what sort of tones and scales might be used. There's a bit of that here, but it's mostly steamrollered over in Dame Isabel's snobbishness on the subject, and her unwillingness to attempt to understand or appreciate music outwith her narrow operatic obsession.
To me the book felt competent and solid, but the humour didn't work for me.
January 31, 2025
Another beautifully written Jack Vance book.
Personal note: Features a Roger with a certain vapid charm.
This Daw edition has a really sharp cover by Don Maitz.
Personal note: Features a Roger with a certain vapid charm.
This Daw edition has a really sharp cover by Don Maitz.
December 31, 2015
Boy, it stings to give such a low rating to a Vance novel. This just isn't very good. Ultimately, its pointless. There is a unique and excellent idea, filled with possibility and creative potential, that is executed in a bland fashion, to no great result.
The idea forming the backbone of this novel is great. But the end product is a slow, tedious, dull read with sporadic moments of interesting scenes. I wanted so much more out of this novel; disappointing in the extreme.
The idea forming the backbone of this novel is great. But the end product is a slow, tedious, dull read with sporadic moments of interesting scenes. I wanted so much more out of this novel; disappointing in the extreme.
September 1, 2015
This is copy 48 of 200 signed numbered copies.
July 27, 2017
It’s not that Roger Wool doesn’t want to work, as such. It’s that he doesn’t want to be tied down to a single job day after day, the same desk in the same office. And he’s too well-bred for most work that involves wandering from place to place doing odd jobs as they come. Fortunately, his wealthy aunt Dame Isabel Grayce has been willing to subsidize Roger living in the manner to which he’s accustomed, in exchange for being available for her every whim.
And while opera is not Roger’s thing, the avant-garde performance put on by the alien Ninth Company of Rlaru has some interesting points. However, later that night the performers vanish into thin air, leaving their human manager struggling for an explanation. Dame Isabel learns that this was supposed to be part of a cultural exchange, and immediately puts her entire fortune behind the project of sending an Earthly opera company to the stars.
This is highly alarming to Roger, who was hoping that his aunt’s largess would continue into her will–if she goes broke on this wild adventure, there goes his inheritance! While helping to make the arrangements for the voyage, Roger meets a mysterious beauty named Madoc Roswyn, who is hellbent on coming along. Problem is, she has no musical training or other opera-useful skills, and Dame Isabel quickly sees through the secretary gag.
And so the Phoebus blasts off with a full opera company and orchestra aboard, as well as a crew led by the increasingly nervous Captain Gondar, Dame Isabel and her staff..and Madoc as a stowaway.
Jack Vance (1916-2013) wrote many fine science fiction works. This comedic novel was a stand-alone, written (so he claimed) to fit the title, rather than adding a title to a finished manuscript as was the usual custom. Mr. Vance was known for detailed alien cultures with unusual customs, and that’s on full display here.
The plot is episodic, with the Phoebus landing on new planets, meeting new strange customs, and putting on shows. Most of the performances don’t go so well for reasons ranging from getting the wrong audience to the planet being actively hostile to life as we know it.
There’s a certain amount of classism and cultural snobbery–Dame Isabel and her coterie are aghast to learn the crew has formed a washboard jazz band in their spare time. And the romantic subplot is weak. Madoc is goal-driven, leading her to some femme fatale tactics, and the resolution of that is a letdown.
But top marks for the zany culture clashes and some moments that opera fans will doubtless enjoy even more than the layman.
Recommended for fans of comedic science fiction.
And while opera is not Roger’s thing, the avant-garde performance put on by the alien Ninth Company of Rlaru has some interesting points. However, later that night the performers vanish into thin air, leaving their human manager struggling for an explanation. Dame Isabel learns that this was supposed to be part of a cultural exchange, and immediately puts her entire fortune behind the project of sending an Earthly opera company to the stars.
This is highly alarming to Roger, who was hoping that his aunt’s largess would continue into her will–if she goes broke on this wild adventure, there goes his inheritance! While helping to make the arrangements for the voyage, Roger meets a mysterious beauty named Madoc Roswyn, who is hellbent on coming along. Problem is, she has no musical training or other opera-useful skills, and Dame Isabel quickly sees through the secretary gag.
And so the Phoebus blasts off with a full opera company and orchestra aboard, as well as a crew led by the increasingly nervous Captain Gondar, Dame Isabel and her staff..and Madoc as a stowaway.
Jack Vance (1916-2013) wrote many fine science fiction works. This comedic novel was a stand-alone, written (so he claimed) to fit the title, rather than adding a title to a finished manuscript as was the usual custom. Mr. Vance was known for detailed alien cultures with unusual customs, and that’s on full display here.
The plot is episodic, with the Phoebus landing on new planets, meeting new strange customs, and putting on shows. Most of the performances don’t go so well for reasons ranging from getting the wrong audience to the planet being actively hostile to life as we know it.
There’s a certain amount of classism and cultural snobbery–Dame Isabel and her coterie are aghast to learn the crew has formed a washboard jazz band in their spare time. And the romantic subplot is weak. Madoc is goal-driven, leading her to some femme fatale tactics, and the resolution of that is a letdown.
But top marks for the zany culture clashes and some moments that opera fans will doubtless enjoy even more than the layman.
Recommended for fans of comedic science fiction.
October 17, 2018
Roman de SF léger et accessible, Space Opéra a les défauts de ses qualités. En effet, les personnages prêtent à sourire et sont sympathiquement risibles avec leur vision anthropocentrée de la "grande musique" et le caractère messianique de leur épopée. Toutefois, ils peuvent justement apparaître rapidement comme un peu plat et sans saveur particulière face à l'enjeu de leur dessein (ou alors c'est clairement souhaité et je suis passé à côté). De même que le périple est mené à un rythme frénétique et on saute bien trop vite d'une planète à une autre. Alors certes, c'est du space opéra et là dessus, Jack Vance s'amuse sur son postulat de départ mais quitte à multiplier les escales autant leur donner plus de profondeur plutôt qu'un recensement à la limite du superflu des planètes "colonisées".
Il en reste toutefois, une lecture agréable et dépaysante qui, sans révolutionner le genre, devrait parvenir à plaire au plus grand nombre.
Il en reste toutefois, une lecture agréable et dépaysante qui, sans révolutionner le genre, devrait parvenir à plaire au plus grand nombre.
March 5, 2020
J'ai bien aimé le theme et, comme d'habitude avec Jack Vance, les univers rencontrés.
L'histoire est centrée sur une troupe de spectacle traversant la galaxie pour répandre la culture musicale humaine dans celle-ci. Pour cela son organisatrice, une grande philanthrope; bien que stricte, compte sur l'appui de l'opéra, style de représentation qu'elle affectionne particulièrement. La troupe va rencontrer des éspèces différentes et vivra des aventures peuplées de rebondissements inattendus.
Madoc Roswyn, un être manipulateur aux but secrets va apporter ce plus qui nous pousse à vouloir connaitre la suite, connaitre ses secrets, ses raisons.
Dans l'ensemble un livre très agréable à lire qui fait voyager à travers l'espace, comme son nom le promet
L'histoire est centrée sur une troupe de spectacle traversant la galaxie pour répandre la culture musicale humaine dans celle-ci. Pour cela son organisatrice, une grande philanthrope; bien que stricte, compte sur l'appui de l'opéra, style de représentation qu'elle affectionne particulièrement. La troupe va rencontrer des éspèces différentes et vivra des aventures peuplées de rebondissements inattendus.
Madoc Roswyn, un être manipulateur aux but secrets va apporter ce plus qui nous pousse à vouloir connaitre la suite, connaitre ses secrets, ses raisons.
Dans l'ensemble un livre très agréable à lire qui fait voyager à travers l'espace, comme son nom le promet
August 29, 2022
Dit moet één van zijn eerste boeken zijn. Het verhaal is origineel: een rijke barones wil om diverse redenen een reis door het bekende heelal maken met een opera orkest om de vreemde wezens daar bekend te maken met de schone muzikale tradities van de Aarde, vooral de opera. Aldus geschiedt. De aliens zijn echter vreemder dan waarmee gerekend werd. Sommigen zien de opera als een marteling, zijn diep geschokt. Op een menselijke strafkolonie proberen de gevangenen te ontsnappen. Ziehier een kleine greep uit de vreemde culturen reis. Hoewel een leuk gegeven, blijft het verhaal wat mat. De karakters zijn bijzonder twee dimensionaal. Het verhaal loopt ook tamelijk tam af, zoals in een sprookje. De Vance die ik zo graag lees, moet zich nog ontwikkelen.
January 2, 2023
I thought this was hilarious. Most of the book was incredibly unrealistic, but I think that was sort of the point—each character was sort of two-dimensional, stereotypical, predictable, almost giving the whole book the feel of one giant, chaotic opera. The characters weren’t always the most multidimensional, and almost seemed more like plot devices for the thoughts of the author, and for making jabs at ethnocentrism and the relevance (or lack of relevance) of one’s culture in another. Honestly, I loved the book and was very entertained—it was predictable in a lot of ways, but a fun puzzle in others. I think it’s worth a read!
May 18, 2023
There are operas….in space. Well, and subterfuge and some villainy. Also romance and spurned lovers. In a way, it’s a literary space opera about….operas….in space. Also- opera is a word that if you say or type it enough times starts to sound like not a word. All joking aside, this is a fun read. Vance pokes at the upper crust and their opinions of culture, entertainment and what ‘civilization’ is and isn’t. Who are the arts for? Who truly understands and appreciates art? The masses? Aristocrats? Prisoners in a penal colony? For a short book Vance takes a sideways swipe at these topics and doesn’t give answers, but definitely some opinions.
May 14, 2017
Een verhaal uit de jaren zestig van de 20e eeuw, maar zeker niet gedateerd. Naar mijn idee is het achterliggende idee nog steeds geldig. Idealisme kan leiden tot vele problemen, maar ook hele mooie dingen opleveren. Zonder idealisme zou het allemaal een stuk saaier zijn. Aan de andere kant kan idealisme ook kortzichtigheid tot gevolg hebben.
Het verhaal is, zoals we dat gewend zijn van Jack Vance, vlot geschreven en het leest dan ook als een trein.
Het verhaal is, zoals we dat gewend zijn van Jack Vance, vlot geschreven en het leest dan ook als een trein.
September 13, 2018
A comedic novel in which Dame Isabel Grayce takes an Opera across the galaxy. This is a humorous work, but sadly just isn't as funny as vances later work. The plot somewhat mirrors the vastly superior Showboat World which I would recommend anyone read. This work on the other hand is best left to completionists who have finished with Vances better work, but still want a competent story that is faintly humorous.
August 31, 2021
A typical Vancian concoction similar in many aspects to "The Magnificent Showboats of the Lower Vissel River...". In this short novel, a wealthy older woman from Earth becomes obsessed with the idea of promoting Earth music to alien (but humanoid) cultures by outfitting a ship to take opera to the stars. Typical of Vance, most of these cultures have unexpected quirks that soon cause chaos and confusion. Sorry, no spoilers. Not major Vance, but still a lot of fun.
June 25, 2024
PG Wodehouse meets van Vogt? I don' t know.
The book has that wit that makes me think of Jeeves and Wooster. But it also has a kind of (intentionally?) Golden Age SF clumsiness in its trappings? It was written in the 60s, so this could be the case?
As usual, I don't have the words or ability to articulate my feeling(s). Add to that my one great ability: misreading and misinterpreting.
A fun read, regardless.
Closest to a 3.5, but I like the author so lets round up.
The book has that wit that makes me think of Jeeves and Wooster. But it also has a kind of (intentionally?) Golden Age SF clumsiness in its trappings? It was written in the 60s, so this could be the case?
As usual, I don't have the words or ability to articulate my feeling(s). Add to that my one great ability: misreading and misinterpreting.
A fun read, regardless.
Closest to a 3.5, but I like the author so lets round up.
August 31, 2022
A very enjoyable and beautifully written piece of sheer whimsy. The blurb on my edition calls it an 'amusing speculation upon the limits of cultural comprehension'. It isn't really this at all; what it is is a thinly veiled excuse for a series of comedic episodes strung together by a wafer-thin plot. But there is no denying that it *is* at least very amusing.
September 2, 2022
Turns out there probably was a good reason I had never heard of this. It's a pretty slight story, and while it had some amusing bits (the various aliens that the opera company tries to put a show on for), it didn't really seem to have much to offer. But it was fun to read a book about space opera with some actual opera.
September 11, 2020
Het plot is wel vermakelijk, de oorspronkelijke titel Space Opera is wel heel letterlijk naar het genre Space Opera maar verder is het niet echt een goed uitgewerkt verhaal. Ik noem het een SF-romannetje.
December 25, 2017
At some places, it looks like what P G Wodehouse would have written, if he had been into Sci Fi !
November 1, 2018
Perhaps the strangest book I’ve ever read, but wonderful writing.
November 6, 2018
An interesting light read, kind of high-society space adventure.
November 15, 2018
3 1/2 Stars
January 8, 2019
The title makes it sound like it could have been more humorous. The plot was mostly serious, and the subplots were not flushed out enough to be enticing, though they had good thoughts behind them.
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