Opera 101

A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera

By: Fred Plotkin

Narrated by: Fred Plotkin

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. 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 about opera, who for many years was performance manager of the Metropolitan Opera, introduces listeners, whatever their level of musical knowledge, to all the elements that make up opera.

The major part of Opera 101 is devoted to an almost minute-by-minute analysis of 11 key operas, ranging from Verdi's thunderous masterpiece Rigoletto and Puccini's electrifying Tosca to works by Mozart, Donizetti, Rossini, Offenbach, Tchaikovsky, and Wagner, and to the psychological complexities of Richard Strauss's Elektra. Once you have completed Opera 101, you will be prepared to see and hear any opera you encounter, thanks to this book's unprecedented detail and enjoyable method of revealing the riches of opera.

©1994 Fred Plotkin (P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

unmissable introduction to the world of operas!

This book is a superb introduction for anybody who wants to have a good understanding and a better appreciation of operas. It is complete in all aspects, since it comprehends history of opera, biography of composers, analysis of major works and so forth. Besides, the narrator, who happens to be the author of the book himself, reads it as wonderfully as he wrote it. After listening to this audiobook, you will be promoted from an opera novice to an opera lover and enthusiast. Go ahead! It's a good buy.

Comprehensive

Where does Opera 101 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was unique. Something I read for research purposes, and it was like taking a college course.

Any additional comments?

I learned a lot.

A Worthy Introduction to Opera

if you have ever been curious about Opera, then you will enjoy this audiobook. the first couple of chapters give an excellent overview on the history of Opera and an in-depth look at some of the greats.

Essential how to guide for budding opera lovers

If you are serious on fast tracking your opera appreciation experience, study this book, buy or borrow the CDs and in 3-6 months you will be chatting away with the most seasoned opera lovers. But much more importantly, if you follow Fred's experienced advice, you will be entering a new world of deep insight into music and human endeavor of the greatest sophistication and pleasure. Just do it step by step and do not get turned off by the demanding and lecturing style. He is right all the way!

Ser paciente

Su contenido es muy extenso. El autor tiene un amplio conocimiento a cerca de Ópera. Pero siento que detalla minuciosamente en exceso que llega un momento de aburrimiento. Si tuve que escucharlo en velocidad 1.5 más rápido por que se hace muy lento