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Summary: The Perfect Introduction to the Opera
Review: As someone newly-introduced to "The Magic Flute," I have no knowledge of other performances. I bought this book and CD set in order to familiarize myself and my wife with this opera prior to viewing it live. What a perfect introduction it was. The singing is absolutely beautiful, and the explanation of the history of the composer and opera and pictures from past performances were exactly what I needed to feel prepared to understand it live. We will be purchasing the entire Black Dog Opera Library set in order to begin educating ourselves about opera. A great study tool for the ignorant!
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Summary: THE BEST Queen of the Night ever
Review: As someone who has studied over 20 recording of Flute, I can say that this is the BEST Queen on record BY FAR! They need to invent a new fach (heldencoloratura) for Edda Moser. Simply thrilling. Worth buying the book and CDs for her 12 minutes alone, but the rest of the cast is excellent, as is the information in the accompanying book. Plus, where can you find a complete recording for cheaper? If you're in the market for a Flute recording, this is a must have.
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Summary: It's a great book.
Review: I got The Magic Flute for Christmas. My teacher is almost finished reading it to the class. We also listen to the CD after she reads the part to it. Some people in my class don't know if they like it a lot or not. Most of them love it. Ruth Stuart, 2nd grade
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Summary: Make sure you're getting the right version!
Review: I just wanted to warn people thinking of getting this book -- make sure you're getting the one you want! The editorial review for the children's version of "The Magic Flute" refers in part to a Black Dog Opera version -- *that's* the one with the libretto and two CDs. The children's version (retold by Anne Gatti) has only one CD of selections from the opera, and no libretto, just a retelling of the story. I bought the children's version by mistake, based on the editorial review and the customer reviews (some of which also claim that 2 CDs are included), but it turns out these do not refer at all to the children's version.That said, if you're just looking for something for your kids, definitely go for the children's version (ASIN 0811810038). The illustrations are cute, and the text is written to follow along with the CD selections... fine for the age range they indicate. If, however, you want the full libretto with translations, and the full opera on CD, make sure you get the "Black Dog" version which is referenced as "hardcover edition" on the kid's version page. (Hope that makes sense!)
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Summary: Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute" is wonderfully explained.
Review: I received the book "Magic Flute" for Christmas. Since then I have read the book twice and listened to the included CDs 25 times. The book covers the essential elements of the history of the opera, including Mozart's reasons for writing this opera and the events that influanced it. As well as a history lesson I received a German lesson. The included libretto is in the original German, as well as the English translation. Comments about different performances of this opera are scattered throughout the book, giving the reader depth and understanding to the opera. The CDs that are included with the book are wonderfully done. One can hardly listen to the opera and not experiance every emotion possible. Mozart has the ability to transform ones scenses from on extreem to the other. In short this book and CD is highly educational and entertaining.
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Summary: A great way to learn about opera, suitable for young or old.
Review: I received this as a gift from a mislead but well-meaning relative. Needless to say, I have never been a fan of opera. However, I was surprised that I was actually able to enjoy this book and accompanying CD. The book begins with a brief biography of Mozart, and then offers a prose overview of the story (extremely helpful for understanding!). The second half of the book contains the libretto, or text, of the opera. The original German forms one column on the left-hand side of each page, and the English translation is printed on the right. This way one can follow along with the story while listening to the music, even if you don't know a word of German. Throughout the entire book there are pictures from different stage performances of The Magic Flute. The musical recording is of high quality, contained on two disks that fit into pockets on the inside front and back cover of the book. This would be a wonderful book for anyone interested in learning about opera, young or old. However, I must disagree with the reviewer who said this was geared toward children between three and seven. A 3-year-old would never be able to read the text, and a 7-year-old, unless very advanced, would no doubt struggle with it. The book is better suited for slightly older children all the way up through adults of any age. While I'm still not a fan of opera, I did gain some appreciation for it from this book and CD. I'm sure the only way to truly experience an opera is to see it performed live (just listening to a recording removes the entire visual element), but I would nevertheless recommend this product.
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Summary: Mozart on Steroids
Review: I've seen Der Zauberflote performed two or three times and do not intend to miss any performances that I hear about. The opera itself is marvelous. This book/CD set manages to do it justice. Mozart is well performed, the CD is well made, you even get to read along with the book. Finally, the extra notes are a pleasure to read. What I am waiting for is a Black Dog DVD Opera series. However, until then, I really really like this set and I think that you will too.
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Summary: Mozart on Steroids
Review: I've seen Der Zauberflote performed two or three times and do not intend to miss any performances that I hear about. The opera itself is marvelous. This book/CD set manages to do it justice. Mozart is well performed, the CD is well made, you even get to read along with the book. Finally, the extra notes are a pleasure to read. What I am waiting for is a Black Dog DVD Opera series. However, until then, I really really like this set and I think that you will too.
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Summary: Mother of five
Review: My children are fascinated by the illustrations and the music. This is a beautiful introduction to opera. My oldest is five years old, but even my two year old is mesmerized while we read the book. I wish I could find other audiobooks like this one. I strongly recommend this set.
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Summary: Quality books and recordings
Review: Nowhere else will you find such a deal. I was skeptical at first, but was not disappointed when my first Black Dog set came in the mail. The book is extremely informative, helpful, and educational, and the CDs are high-quality recordings of notable performances. I do not know how they do it for such a good price, but get them while you can --- I wish I had know about these two years ago!
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