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Summary: Who's Afraid of Opera? Not Me - Not Anymore!
Review: "Opera for Dummies" is my favorite of the several "For Dummies" books I've read. I enjoy classical music and musical comedy but was always put off by the mystique of opera, and this book was just what I needed to break that barrier. The authors patiently take us on a quick chronological tour of opera, give us a peek into a fictional aspiring opera singer's career (as she lies about her age!), and briefly describe the plots of several dozen of the best-known operas. The bulk of your opera company's offerings will come out of this standard repertoire each year, so with a little study you can become an instant expert.The book includes a handy CD containing operatic snippets from Mozart to the present. The book's corresponding CD guide is timed to the second, and the authors cue you in to dramatic "color" changes in the orchestra and singing, so be sure your CD player displays play times to the second. Both beginners and seasoned opera buffs alike will enjoy the witty, irreverent plot synopses (said of one lusty hero: "He wasn't exactly thinking with his BRAIN"). After I finished "Opera for Dummies," I really put it to the test--I talked myself into a free dress rehearsal of "Tales of Hoffman" and enjoyed it thoroughly!
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Summary: One of my most recommended resources
Review: As Education Coordinator for The Atlanta Opera, I am often in a position to suggest resources for people who are approaching opera with a myriad of questions. Every time I'm asked about ways to make opera more approachable, I suggest this book. Not only is it done with the usual delightful tongue-in-cheek approach of all the "Dummies" books, but it is full of accurate information as well. I even have school children reading this book and getting excited about going to the opera!
Rating:
Summary: One of my most recommended resources
Review: As Education Coordinator for The Atlanta Opera, I am often in a position to suggest resources for people who are approaching opera with a myriad of questions. Every time I'm asked about ways to make opera more approachable, I suggest this book. Not only is it done with the usual delightful tongue-in-cheek approach of all the "Dummies" books, but it is full of accurate information as well. I even have school children reading this book and getting excited about going to the opera!
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Summary: Not Just for Novices, Seasoned Opera Lovers Will Enjoy Too!
Review: David Pogue and Scott Speck have collaborated on a delightful book that both the novice and "knowledgeable" opera-goer will find interesting. There's something for everyone in the book. Having enjoyed opera for most of my adult life and becoming passionate about it in recent years, I'm still learning about the art form. This book has increased my opera knowledge-base considerably and has added to my continued appreciation of the wonderful (and often wacky) world of opera. The book discusses many issues not found in other books on opera, such as differences between voices, how to get the most out of a given opera, how to attend and opera, etc. Anyone who has the slightest interest in opera should definitely read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Not Just for Novices, Seasoned Opera Lovers Will Enjoy Too!
Review: David Pogue and Scott Speck have collaborated on a delightful book that both the novice and "knowledgeable" opera-goer will find interesting. There's something for everyone in the book. Having enjoyed opera for most of my adult life and becoming passionate about it in recent years, I'm still learning about the art form. This book has increased my opera knowledge-base considerably and has added to my continued appreciation of the wonderful (and often wacky) world of opera. The book discusses many issues not found in other books on opera, such as differences between voices, how to get the most out of a given opera, how to attend and opera, etc. Anyone who has the slightest interest in opera should definitely read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: A down-to-earth guide to opera...
Review: Do you have trouble telling the difference between a tenor and soprano or a mezzo and a mozzarella? Would you like to attend a live opera, but are afraid of how you'd look wearing those funny glasses? Well, if you'd like to know why an opera can make an ordinary person cry like a baby, this is the book for you! "Opera For Dummies™" is a down-to-earth guide that will help you get the most out of watching and listening to any opera. Whether you're interested in attending a love opera, want to build your collection of opera recordings, or just like talking about the subject intelligently, this book has everything you need. By reading "Opera For Dummies™", you'll discover how to: * Explore the evolution of opera from the baroque and Romantic periods to today * Take advantage of the enclosed CD to understand and enjoy the world's most beloved operas * Interpret the roles of the characters, orchestra, chorus, conductors, and other team players * Watch an opera in person or on TV and understand what's happening both on and off the stage.
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Summary: I wish I knew the authors personally
Review: Funny, entertaining, and packed with very important information, such as that Handel's name is pronounced HEN'del, that you might be able to snub an opera snob by talking a bunch of nonsense about such things as legato, rubato and da capos, and and that it is often possible to sneak in to the opera during intermissions because the ticket-takers don't check to make sure you've got a ticket! I have not yet tried going to the backstage entrance and giving my name to the security guards to possibly be chosen to meet with the opera stars. But I will. Get this book, it will hold your interest and make you well informed.
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Summary: A big help for me
Review: I am a middle school music teacher who, unfortunately, learned little about opera in college. I bought this book and have taught an opera unit for sixth grade for two years now. The kids are all miserable when I tell them that, but many of them really like opera, and almost all of them are at least pleasantly surprised that it isn't awful. Most of them did not even realize that opera had words, or told stories. I even had one 12 year old boy go buy this boy after taking my class. It has been very rewarding, and I couldn't have done it without this book and CD.
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Summary: Very well written, informative and enjoyable book
Review: I bought this book when I knew absolutely nothing about opera, other than a lot of big people sing very loudly in Italian. After reading this excellent book, I now consider myself an opera snob, I mean I know when to say Bravo or Brava or Bravi. Okay, well actualy I am not an opera snob, but after reading this book I know enough about opera to be one, if I so chose. For anyone who wants to know anything and everything about opera this is an excellent resource. It is entertaining and Pogue and Speck have a humorous and easy to follow style. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Very well written, informative and enjoyable book
Review: I bought this book when I knew absolutely nothing about opera, other than a lot of big people sing very loudly in Italian. After reading this excellent book, I now consider myself an opera snob, I mean I know when to say Bravo or Brava or Bravi. Okay, well actualy I am not an opera snob, but after reading this book I know enough about opera to be one, if I so chose. For anyone who wants to know anything and everything about opera this is an excellent resource. It is entertaining and Pogue and Speck have a humorous and easy to follow style. I highly recommend this book.
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