Rating: 
Summary: Great way to learn opera!
Review: This book is in effect a great "do it yourself" course on opera.The first chapter is a history of opera. The second discusses the mechanics of opera - the various types of singers and concepts involved in opera. Next is a chapter on the mechanics of attending an opera, buying tickets, what to beware, etc. The real heart of the book, though, is the eleven chapters covering eleven different operas. As you progress through them, you learn about new concepts such as the use of music to evoke emotion, french opera, grand opera, etc. By carefully choosing the sequence, Plotkin is careful to reveal opera's mystery in a way that will bring listeners in rather than turning them off. Plotkin also suggests a particular recording for each opera as a way of introducing different singers and conductors as well. In contrast to others, Plotkin uses the entire opera - not merely highlights. As a companion, I'd suggest Denis Foreman's A Night at the Opera, which is a highly informative, although highly opinionated, reference guide to all the major operas.
Rating:
Summary: Great way to learn opera!
Review: This book is in effect a great "do it yourself" course on opera. The first chapter is a history of opera. The second discusses the mechanics of opera - the various types of singers and concepts involved in opera. Next is a chapter on the mechanics of attending an opera, buying tickets, what to beware, etc. The real heart of the book, though, is the eleven chapters covering eleven different operas. As you progress through them, you learn about new concepts such as the use of music to evoke emotion, french opera, grand opera, etc. By carefully choosing the sequence, Plotkin is careful to reveal opera's mystery in a way that will bring listeners in rather than turning them off. Plotkin also suggests a particular recording for each opera as a way of introducing different singers and conductors as well. In contrast to others, Plotkin uses the entire opera - not merely highlights. As a companion, I'd suggest Denis Foreman's A Night at the Opera, which is a highly informative, although highly opinionated, reference guide to all the major operas.
Rating:
Summary: My top choice for learning about opera
Review: This is an absolutely wonderful introductory book about opera. I read it with highlighter pen in hand and use it as a sourcebook for education outreach programs for our (wonderful) opera company. It is very easy to read and understand and appropriate for all ages, pre-teen to 100! This is the only book I purchase frequently and give to friends just getting interested in opera. A must buy!
Rating:
Summary: Buy this book.
Review: Three words for anyone who wants to cultivate an interest in opera: BUY THIS BOOK!
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