“This book brings to the fore, for the first time, a significant aspect of eighteenth-century opera, providing a new means of understanding elements of the marvelous, the supernatural, and the magical that operate across genres and national boundaries. The reach of David Buch’s investigation—over such a broad time span and including such vast repertories—is outstanding. Magic Flutes and Enchanted Forests is an astonishing achievement.”

Marita Petzoldt McClymonds, University of Virginia

“I know of no previous study that can be compared with Magic Flutes and Enchanted Forests, yet its topic is an important one that, one now realizes, was waiting for the suitable author to tackle it. David Buch is very well qualified to be that author. This is a very ambitious, wide-ranging, and impressive book.”

Peter Branscombe, University of St Andrews

"[Buch strives] to refute what he feels are the most common false assumptions about eighteenth-century opera, effectively arguing against those who have maintained that works with magical themes . . . are inherently less important than serious compositions. . . . His most valuable contribution, however, is undoubtedly the detailed and comprehensive discussion of the origins of the fantastic in eighteenth-century operas and stage works."

Donald R. Boomgaarden | Opera Today

"While numerous theatrical works include the supernatural . . . there have been surprisingly few musical studies devoted to the topic. . . . Buch’s is an essential and groundbreaking study."

Times Higher Education Supplement