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Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera Audiobook
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(3.09) - 101 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Opera is the fastest growing of all the performing arts, attracting audiences of all ages who are enthralled by the gorgeous music, vivid drama, and magnificent productions. If you’ve decided that the time has finally come to learn about opera and discover it for yourself, this is the book for you.
Opera 101 is recognized as the standard text in English for anyone who wants to become an opera lover. It is a clear, friendly, and truly complete handbook for learning how to listen to opera, whether on the radio, on recordings, or live at the opera house. Fred Plotkin, an internationally respected writer and teacher and former performance manager of the Metropolitan Opera, introduces listeners, whatever their level of musical knowledge, to all the riches of opera.
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"While I disagree with some of what Plotkin says (especially Cosi Fan Tutte being a 'sophisticated psychological drama') and it's a bit dumbed down, it's still helps you appreciate the form even more. "
— Angelique (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Newcomers to opera receive a fine guide to learning about opera appreciation…Eleven famous operas are reviewed in a step-by-step listeners’ guide, which covers the basics of learning about the opera’s form, style, and scene challenges.”
— Midwest Book Review
Opera 101 Listener Reviews
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" Helped me get through "The Ring" with my father. "
— Jessica, 5/10/2013 -
" I didn't read the whole thing, but enjoyed the parts I did. "
— Suzq, 3/26/2013 -
" This book really gave me a desire to learn more about opera. Anyone who has suggestions for other books like this I would appreciate a head-up. "
— Tajma, 1/18/2012 -
" While I disagree with some of what Plotkin says (especially Cosi Fan Tutte being a 'sophisticated psychological drama') and it's a bit dumbed down, it's still helps you appreciate the form even more. "
— Angelique, 3/11/2011 -
" If you have never seen an opera, this book will make you want to see one. If you are an avid opera fan, this book will prove to be a great reference to you. "
— Linda, 12/11/2010 -
" Awesome book. . .If you like opera as much as me. "
— Victoria, 8/7/2010 -
" Despite format and genre a very deserving work. "
— al•veiz, 2/7/2010 -
" This book really gave me a desire to learn more about opera. Anyone who has suggestions for other books like this I would appreciate a head-up. "
— Tajma, 9/21/2009 -
" Awesome book. . .If you like opera as much as me. "
— Victoria, 3/7/2009 -
" Helped me get through "The Ring" with my father. "
— Jessica, 9/20/2008 -
" I didn't read the whole thing, but enjoyed the parts I did. "
— Suzq, 5/13/2008
About Fred Plotkin
Fred Plotkin has written for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Opera News, and other publications. He lectures frequently at the Smithsonian Institution, the Juilliard School, and Columbia University. He is the author of nine books, many of them on Italian topics. He lives in New York and Italy.