Placido Domingo

This is by no means a biography of the great singer, as Schnauber (who is connected with the Los Angeles Music Center Opera, one of Domingo's many interests) is quick to point out. There is already a memoir by the singer and an authoritative life by Daniel Snowman. Rather, it is a detailed examination of Domingo's work in some of his key operatic roles, as revealed through currently available recordings, a largely hagiographic account of his personality and working methods and a sort of apologia for the less-than-top-light showbiz antics in which Domingo indulges (not only the Three Tenors extravaganzas but also some mushy pop albums). Whenever Schnauber feels a critical tone coming on--as, for instance, in his account of the singer's shortcomings as a conductor--he backs swiftly away, leaving the impression that anything Domingo does, he does for very good reasons that perhaps we may not always understand. The end result is a book that is not too revealing and likely to be of interest mostly to those who want a sort of listener's guide (albeit one that is often couched in quite technical terms) to some of the star's best moments. Discography; illustrations not seen by PW. (June)