Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.71 (926 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0786880252 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 494 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2016-07-25 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
. There is nothing stuffy in Plotkin's style, which is clear and idiomatic. The book also boasts a foreword by supertenor Placido Domingo. Just as the title says, this is a basic primer on what opera is, what to look for and what to listen to
He writes for the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Opera News, Das Opernglas, and Gourmet. . He lectures on music for leading institutions, including Columbia University, the Juilliard School, and the Smithsonian. An expert on Italy, he has written five definitive books on Italian food and wine. Fred Plotk
Essential secrets about opera The most user-friendly and accessible book about opera I've read so far. Fred Plotkin is impressive not only for his knowledge of opera but for his urbane, positive underlying philosophy: his tolerance, love for the arts and for life in general - the sort of person it would be good to know and to have as a friend. The book begins with some general comments (the most enjoyable is on page 1Essential secrets about opera Sonomagirl The most user-friendly and accessible book about opera I've read so far. Fred Plotkin is impressive not only for his knowledge of opera but for his urbane, positive underlying philosophy: his tolerance, love for the arts and for life in general - the sort of person it would be good to know and to have as a friend. The book begins with some general comments (the most enjoyable is on page 146, the 'essential secret that opera lovers know and those on the outside never suspect'), and then goes on to explore eleven operas in more detail. The point o. 6, the 'essential secret that opera lovers know and those on the outside never suspect'), and then goes on to explore eleven operas in more detail. The point o. Makes opera accessible, for anyone This is a simple, well-written book, designed for anyone who has ever been interested in opera but never really been able to "get it". Plotkin explains everything you need to know -- the different voices, the history, the basics -- in a way that is entertaining and informative. After listening to opera (with a lot of frustration at what I knew I was missing) for many years, I really heard and enjoyed my first opera, thanks to Plotkin. After reading less than half the book, you will find yourself listening to recordings of great operas and loving. Amazon Customer said Opera 101 - or Opera for Dummies. I am very excited to finally have a book that will gently guide me through the nuances of opera. I've had a love/hate relationship with Opera for years, mostly due to my own ignorance, but recently i listened to an interview on NPR with Mr Plotkin. I so enjoyed listening to him talk about opera and learned so much just from the interview, that I decided to get this book. I am so happy with it.Mr Plotkin makes it easy for the uninformed lay person, like myself, to understand opera as a genre as well as the very specific operas he discusses. His l
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 production values. If you've decided that the time has finally come to learn about opera and discover for yourself what it is about opera that sends your normally reserved friends into states of ecstatic abandon, 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--a clear, friendly, and truly complete handbook to 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 about opera who for many years was performance manager of the Metropolitan Opera, introduces the reader (whatever his or her level of musical knowledge) to all the elements that make up opera, including:A brief, entertaining history of opera;An explanation of key operatic concepts, from vocal types to musical conventions;Hints on the best way to approach the first opera you attend and how to bes