Rating: 
Summary: A Great Beginning
Review: This book works very well for anyone who is: (a.) entirely new to opera; (b.) mature and intelligent; and (c.) looking for a one-volume anchor of information about opera. While some introduction-to-opera guides are heavy on comedy (such as the excellent "Opera for Dummies"), Goulding's guide is calmer, more thorough, and (in a good way) geekier. Goulding is a very talented and clear writer, and this rich guide furnishes all that the beginner needs to feel comfortable with the concept of opera, and how to organize all the delicious data and opinions that float around the great works.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Beginners Guide to Opera
Review: This book, by Phil Goulding, is a great book for opera ameatuers and buffs alike. The author chose 100 of the greatest operas today, some well known and some not, and organized them into an easy to follow guide.The intresting facts about the singers, composers, and others are really interesting. The greatest part of the book are the recommended recordings and videos of each of the operas. They are a perfect way to introduce yourself to the operas and the performers, and also to begin a great opera collection. I recently purchased the book, and have begun to purchase the CDs and videos in the book. The author also gives you a guide to many famous singers, from Luciano Pavarotti, to Maria Callas, to Nicolai Ghiaurov (who died on June 2, 2004). This book is a great companion for all opera lovers, espically those who want to build up a collection of CDs and videos.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect introduction
Review: This is the best introduction to opera that I've read. It covers all the major operas and, while easy to understand and humorous, is not overly simplistic and effusively jocular like "Opera for Dummies." Also, it's not as pompous as "Opera 101." The author doesn't pretend to be a musicologist -- he simply gives you a wide array of views from musicologists (as well as other people). It's packed with information and fun to either browse in or read straight through. I have extensive musical training and my husband has absolutely none, but we both found this book enjoyable and informative.
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