Rating: 
Summary: A Book for Opera Newbies
Review: As a veteran operagoer of twenty-five years, I found Mr. Dobkin's book a delightful introduction to the subject, though obviously aimed at Generation X. Of course the book is opinionated, but that's part of the fun of opera. While I didn't agree with his assessment of Catherine Malfitano (a true Kunstdiva!), I found most of his other assessments insightful and amusing. For someone new to the opera world, his various lists of singers would be invaluable. The section of the book dealing with the dos and don'ts of attending opera was definitely accurate. I can't remember any other writer discussing the problem of occasionally nodding off during a performance or the need for breath mints. I only hope he writes another book on the subject, aimed at the more advanced operagoer.
Rating: 
Summary: Dobkin does for opera what Ken Branagh did for Shakespeare
Review: Contemporary insight into an age-old genre. Witty and entertaining! Read this book and then go see a show... you'll see what I mean.
Rating:
Summary: An Engaging, Wickedly Funny Guide to Opera
Review: Finally a book that makes opera accessible! Dobkin breaks new ground by using a young, hip voice to engage and intrigue readers without a touch of condescension. His language and humor make this an easy read - I actually walked away with an understanding of the art form. Wish I could go to the opera with him!
Rating:
Summary: Valuable Tool for Beginners
Review: I am in my 20s and I just discovered the wonderful world of opera--and this is probably why I appreciate Dobkin's book so much. I love Dobkin's style of writing and the layout of the book--it was obviously aimed not only to the "confused" but also to the younger followers of opera. More importantly, it was an easy read; the book is perfect for those who want to learn just enough about the opera to enjoy and appreciate the performances without going through all the technical babble that most books of this genre are guilty of.Dobkin not only covers whose who in the world of opera but also has a section where he lays out the synopsis of the more famous opera (I also like the fact that he tells people what to expect in terms of dress code and what to bring, etc--especially since an opera is not just a form of art but a social event where people-watching is just one of its assets). But be forewarned that this book is mostly based on Dobkin's opinion--therefore you might agree with him, or you might not. But the more important thing is that he has successfully managed to write a book that most gen-x-ers can relate to in a form of art that most people think is reserved for older individuals.
Rating:
Summary: Valuable Tool for Beginners
Review: I am in my 20s and I just discovered the wonderful world of opera--and this is probably why I appreciate Dobkin's book so much. I love Dobkin's style of writing and the layout of the book--it was obviously aimed not only to the "confused" but also to the younger followers of opera. More importantly, it was an easy read; the book is perfect for those who want to learn just enough about the opera to enjoy and appreciate the performances without going through all the technical babble that most books of this genre are guilty of. Dobkin not only covers whose who in the world of opera but also has a section where he lays out the synopsis of the more famous opera (I also like the fact that he tells people what to expect in terms of dress code and what to bring, etc--especially since an opera is not just a form of art but a social event where people-watching is just one of its assets). But be forewarned that this book is mostly based on Dobkin's opinion--therefore you might agree with him, or you might not. But the more important thing is that he has successfully managed to write a book that most gen-x-ers can relate to in a form of art that most people think is reserved for older individuals.
Rating: 
Summary: false information
Review: I have not read this book,but I have read an excerpt from it. The author claims Andrea Bocelli,was laughed off the stage.Laughed off the stage,indeed.This is a total lie,the man recieved standing ovations from his "Werther" performance.Although the critics were not kind,they seldom are,they cannot except his immense popularity,the audience was very pleased with his performance. For anyone,that has never heard Mr.Bocelli,please do try to hear him,he is wonderful,his voice is beautiful,and he is a wonderful human being,unlike the author of this book. I would like to see Mr.Dobkins manuver himself on stage blindfolded,now that would be laughable. I would never buy this book,because of the untruths in it.I would advise any fan of Andrea Bocelli,to not buy this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Idea - Poorly Executed
Review: I picked this book up in my local Borders store because I'm an opera "buff" and sing in a regional opera chorus. I enjoyed the layout of the book and the fact that it spends more time talking about current opera performers and not singers who have been dead for twenty years. Many of us opera fans enjoy an occasional "irreverent" look at the opera world, but in at least one case Mr. Dobkin has gone a bit too far in this book. His slap-in-the-face summation of soprano Sylvia McNair's abilities is nearly unforgivable. People who enjoy opera, enjoy hearing different people performing the roles. Each person has a unique voice quality and through their own life experiences, bring something different - exciting - new - to the roles. Having heard Syliva sing many times in many venues, AND having met her, AND having known her husband (conductor Hal France), Dobkins' criticism of Ms. McNair is unfounded. Not only is she a beautiful singer, she's a beautiful person with a beautiful personality. The book uses a lot of MTV generation "lingo", has a bright colored cover, and barely skims over the surface of a few of the most popular operas - so it may appeal to someone with the attention span of a two year old. I think maybe the intent is to try and make opera seem "hip". Opera doesn't need Mr. Dobkin's assistance in this area, because the fastest growing opera audience in the United States right now is comprised of people in their early twenties and thirties. I am a high school teacher and regularly have 50 or more students attending the regional opera productions. If you are looking for a witty and irreverent look at opera, I would suggest a book that is more complete in its coverage: "A Night At The Opera" by Denis Forman. Pick up this book if you are trying to interest your "Nine Inch Nails" listening teenager in opera.
Rating:
Summary: Good Idea - Poorly Executed
Review: I picked this book up in my local Borders store because I'm an opera "buff" and sing in a regional opera chorus. I enjoyed the layout of the book and the fact that it spends more time talking about current opera performers and not singers who have been dead for twenty years. Many of us opera fans enjoy an occasional "irreverent" look at the opera world, but in at least one case Mr. Dobkin has gone a bit too far in this book. His slap-in-the-face summation of soprano Sylvia McNair's abilities is nearly unforgivable. People who enjoy opera, enjoy hearing different people performing the roles. Each person has a unique voice quality and through their own life experiences, bring something different - exciting - new - to the roles. Having heard Syliva sing many times in many venues, AND having met her, AND having known her husband (conductor Hal France), Dobkins' criticism of Ms. McNair is unfounded. Not only is she a beautiful singer, she's a beautiful person with a beautiful personality. The book uses a lot of MTV generation "lingo", has a bright colored cover, and barely skims over the surface of a few of the most popular operas - so it may appeal to someone with the attention span of a two year old. I think maybe the intent is to try and make opera seem "hip". Opera doesn't need Mr. Dobkin's assistance in this area, because the fastest growing opera audience in the United States right now is comprised of people in their early twenties and thirties. I am a high school teacher and regularly have 50 or more students attending the regional opera productions. If you are looking for a witty and irreverent look at opera, I would suggest a book that is more complete in its coverage: "A Night At The Opera" by Denis Forman. Pick up this book if you are trying to interest your "Nine Inch Nails" listening teenager in opera.
Rating:
Summary: opera for the MTV generation
Review: I really recommend this book because it's not only informative (with clever synopses of the author's 50 favorite operas) but fun to read. I am dating someone who is really into opera and it was the prefect thing for me -- a quick and witty introduction to opera that's not too dull or academic. Now I actually enjoy spending an evening at the Met.
Rating:
Summary: Demystifying opera
Review: I'm twenty-something and am cultivating a budding interest in opera. Matt's book was perfect for me. I have attended four operas so far equipped with prior knowledge of history of the particular opera, plot, performers, and breath mints thanks to Matt's book. YES he does share his opinions in his book - and face it, he has a right to do that. It IS his book afterall. Besides what fun is a totally objective look at art? Not much! De gustubus non est disputandem... matters of taste are not disputable. Nobody said Matt's opinion should be The Last opinion! Form your own and them share them! Getting Opera has been a helpful springboard into the opera scene...
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