Opera for Beginners (Writers and Readers Documentary Comic Book.)

Rating:
Summary: Relieved--a worthwhile opera guide
Review: Having read a handful of essentially useless beginner's guides on opera, I am relieved to say that OPERA FOR BEGINNERS garners its five stars. Ron David throws caution to the wind when giving his layman's approach to opera. The work is divided into four parts ("Acts"): Opera History, Opera Singers, Listening to Opera, and Listener-Friendly Operas. The crux of this text lies in its humor and antic dotes which keeps the reluctant beginner's attention. David's main points through the text are 1) Italian opera is beginner's opera, 2) Mozart is highly overrated, 3) German Opera should be avoided by the novice in order to keep him or her from turning away out of fear, fright, etc. and 4), in lieu of all previous declarations, Wagner is God. The most helpful parts of the book are the sections focusing on various opera singers (and their importance to the potential operatic audience) and the index of operas and their great vocal representatives throughout history. This is a highly interesting and readable text for the beginner especially and a good way in which to introduce oneself to the various modes, forms, and methods of opera in less that one afternoon.

Rating:
Summary: Relieved--a worthwhile opera guide
Review: Having read a handful of essentially useless beginner's guides on opera, I am relieved to say that OPERA FOR BEGINNERS garners its five stars. Ron David throws caution to the wind when giving his layman's approach to opera. The work is divided into four parts ("Acts"): Opera History, Opera Singers, Listening to Opera, and Listener-Friendly Operas. The crux of this text lies in its humor and antic dotes which keeps the reluctant beginner's attention. David's main points through the text are 1) Italian opera is beginner's opera, 2) Mozart is highly overrated, 3) German Opera should be avoided by the novice in order to keep him or her from turning away out of fear, fright, etc. and 4), in lieu of all previous declarations, Wagner is God. The most helpful parts of the book are the sections focusing on various opera singers (and their importance to the potential operatic audience) and the index of operas and their great vocal representatives throughout history. This is a highly interesting and readable text for the beginner especially and a good way in which to introduce oneself to the various modes, forms, and methods of opera in less that one afternoon.

Rating:
Summary: An extremely irreverent introduction to opera.
Review: Opera for Beginners is, as the title says, for people who know nothing about the subject. But the book is really for folks who want to learn one guy's opinion of it (Ron David). Mr. David gives a concise and entertaining history of the form, a review of 20th century opera singers, and synopses of his 30 favorite operas. The book is about half text, half cartoons. Always amusing, Mr. David tries to link opera to gospel, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues. You may not agree with his view that Mozart is an "overrated" composer --I happen to think his operas are among the finest ever written. But, he gives you something to think about. And, a fine place to begin your exploration of opera. Just don't think you're getting an exhaustive tome here--you can read Opera for Beginners in an hour or two.

Rating:
Summary: An extremely irreverent introduction to opera.
Review: Opera for Beginners is, as the title says, for people who know nothing about the subject. But the book is really for folks who want to learn one guy's opinion of it(Ron David). Mr. David gives a concise and entertaining history of the form, a review of 20th century opera singers, and synopses of his 30 favorite operas. The book is about half text, half cartoons. Always amusing, Mr. David tries to link opera to gospel, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues. You may not agree with his view that Mozart is an "overrated" composer --I happen to think his operas are among the finest ever written. But, he gives you something to think about. And, a fine place to begin your exploration of opera. Just don't think you're getting an exhaustive tome here--you can read Opera for Beginners in an hour or two.

Rating:
Summary: NOT Just for Beginners
Review: This is an absolutely delightful little book. Much is covered in a highly readable and enjoyable style. Those who know nothing about opera, but would like to learn, will find this a fun and interesting introduction. Those, like myself, who love opera with a passion will also find Ron David's book to be a fun and interesting read -- not to mention "reference". I find that I turn to it often just to check on something. Mr. David's irreverent style is refreshing since I, too, believe that opera is for everyone. True soul music.