Opera for Dummies

If you're looking for a serious commentary on opera, this isn't it. But if you want a basic introduction, this is the best book I've found. It's fine for absolute beginners, and also for people who know a thing or two but would like to brush up - or just be entertained a little.The humor can be a little corny at times, but poking a little good-natured fun at some of the more serious operas is a good thing, really. Most program notes take themselves and the opera deadly seriously won't point out the absurdity of some of the plot points or other things modern audiences usually have trouble with. Without this kind of intro, newcomers might find themselves wondering if they're the only who thinks it's weird that (for example) a teenage girl is singing to and kissing a severed head.Although I enjoyed reading it through the first time, I have gone back to its summary of the "50 Big Kahunas" and "Best of the Rest" (for a total of 74 operas) again and again. It's a handy guide when deciding what operas you might be interested in seeing (or renting a DVD of). And if you know you are going to be seeing a particular opera, a quick read of the entry on that opera is a good idea too. It's good to know in advance some of the high points or oddities of what you're about to see, so you can be prepared. If a clown is going to be stabbing people, or several of the men are going to be singing like women, you'll want to know about it beforehand.

This book was in very good condition, considering it was published in 1997. It also contained a cd that played well (no skipping). I paid $7.60 and it was well worth the money. I basically wanted a synopsis of the operas, however, the book provides you with much more (ie: info on the composers,; a glossary, etc.).

I was raised on classical music (mother was a pianist)but opera was neglected. Since I love opera, but am intellectualy 'challenged' in this department, Opera For Dummies has been a lifesaver! Heard the phrase, 'spinto tenor' but had no idea what it meant.....now I do. This, plus many, many others in the book make it well worth the money spent.It is a very concise but descriptive book, also, and fun to read, especially the various stories about the composers, divas (and divos), even the technical details. Who knew there was such deviousness in opera!The CD which came with my book (I bought a used book which still had the CD included) was, unfortunately cracked right across as our mailman folded the book in two and jammed it in our mailbox. Luckily, I have many of the arias listed on the included CD, on my own CD's. But it doesn't make me any fonder of the U.S Postal system!

Amazing!!! Spent my life in math and science. Realized how uncultured I was and started exploring the arts. I never played an instrument in my life, been to a musical, ballet or opera. I was starting from scratch and this book was so engaging. I thought it would be one of those things where I'd start it, but lack the attention span to finish, but he really makes it so easy to follow. I have greater appreciation for shows in general. This book was written in 1997, you have to laugh when he tells you how to get tickets by mail or go to the box office to look at seating chart; we are so lucky to have modern day advances!

Very informative, easy and fun to read, 'can make even the most hesitant readers understand and love opera!

I had the good fortune to take an adult education course (5 90-minute sessions) in Understanding Opera. A marvelous maestro/instructor opened a whole new world for me! This book is perfect for supplementing that instruction - and helping me develop and ENJOY this aspect of music. It's a wonderful reference - and allows you to pick and choose what you want to focus on learning....you don't have to read one chapter right after another.I now look forward to reading the music/arts section of the New York Times and actually UNDERSTAND what's going on!! This book is helping me increase my appreciation and enjoyment of a nice "slice of life."

Great book for my students and the uninitiated. A trove of valuable information and a truly fun read. Highly recommended. It's a shame that it is no longer in print.

I liked the book from most perspectives. It gives good coverage of the field of opera, taking the reader from the beginning and basics through the growth of this curious genre of entertainment in various cultures. The book presents useful information about each of the operas highlighted, including story origin and author, librettist adaptation for opera, composer capturing the essence in musical form. The book's authors treat the challenging and sometimes heavy subjects humorously. The organization of the book was the only detraction for me.

I wanted an ‘idiots guide’ to opera to swot up before I head off to the local Everyman Cinema for a streamed production. This book does the job. Slightly more dog eared than I expected hence 4* but very pleased none the less

I have had several of The Dummies books and found them to be well written and informative. This particular book treats the subject seriously but adds plenty of humour alongside the stories of the composers and the operas.

This is a great book - one of the best 'for Dummies' I have read. Love the humour. Easy to understand yet you learn a lot. Found the section on how to read a score very helpful when faced with some non opera pieces of music and had no idea what it all meant. Enjoyed reading the stories of the operas and this book has encouraged me to go to see operas not just listen to cds.

A great book to keep on your shelf especially for a dummy like me. I have consulted this simple book many times and will continue to do so. Very well laid out and easy to use and understand.

Great product