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Rating: 
Summary: The Barber of Seville - Black Dog Opera Library Collection
Review: As with the other Black Dog Opera Library Collections, the Barber of Seville combines CDs of the full opera with a 140+ page hardbound book of pictures, history, libretto and critique. It is perfect both for those new to opera and for the opera savvy. Author David Foil offers a historical critique of the Barber of Seville and relates the impact it had on the music world. Foil also tells the story of Rossini's experiences writing the opera, which took less than one month. The musical recordings alone are reason to buy the book. Perhaps the greatest opera conductor of our time, James Levine, conducts Beverly Sills, Sherrill Milnes and the London Symphony Orchestra in a wonderful rendition of this famous opera. I highly recommend this book and CD to anyone. Nowhere else can you find such a complete package of music, words and pictures for such a reasonable price. So, if you wish to listen to the famous strains of "Figaro, Figaro, Figaro" this is your book.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Concept
Review: I have several "Black Dog Opera" recordings, and they are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to opera WIHTOUT spending a lot of money. This label primarily offers recordings of extremely well-known operas. I had some initial concerns regarding sound quality given the price, but I have yet to be disappointed by them -- Barber of Seville is no exception. Each opera comes in a neatly packaged book that contains the full libretto in its original language and in translation; the history of the opera and its performance; and short biographies of the composer and cast. The books are just the right size to tuck them in your purse (or bag!) so that you can follow the libretto along at a live performance -- I took Barber with me to last year's Chicago Opera Theater production and plan to take Tosca along to Lyric later this year! What a great idea!
Rating:
Summary: What a Great Idea!!
Review: I have several "Black Dog Opera" recordings, and they are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to opera WIHTOUT spending a lot of money. This label primarily offers recordings of extremely well-known operas. I had some initial concerns regarding sound quality given the price, but I have yet to be disappointed by them -- Barber of Seville is no exception. Each opera comes in a neatly packaged book that contains the full libretto in its original language and in translation; the history of the opera and its performance; and short biographies of the composer and cast. The books are just the right size to tuck them in your purse (or bag!) so that you can follow the libretto along at a live performance -- I took Barber with me to last year's Chicago Opera Theater production and plan to take Tosca along to Lyric later this year! What a great idea!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Concept
Review: I have several "Black Dog Opera" recordings, and they are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to opera WIHTOUT spending a lot of money. This label primarily offers recordings of extremely well-known operas. I had some initial concerns regarding sound quality given the price, but I have yet to be disappointed by them -- Barber of Seville is no exception. Each opera comes in a neatly packaged book that contains the full libretto in its original language and in translation; the history of the opera and its performance; and short biographies of the composer and cast. The books are just the right size to tuck them in your purse (or bag!) so that you can follow the libretto along at a live performance -- I took Barber with me to last year's Chicago Opera Theater production and plan to take Tosca along to Lyric later this year! What a great idea!
Rating:
Summary: What a Great Idea!!
Review: This book and CD set are the perfect combination for those who are new to the world of opera and not fluent in foreign language. Better than just a synopsis, the libretto in English lets you read every word so you won't miss the humor or pathos. As a homeschooling mom, I really appreciated this set as a teaching tool. I hope to increase my collection of The Black Dog Opera Library series.
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