Bravo! a Guide to Opera For the Perplexed - Softcover

Reseña del editor

An essential guide to appreciating and enjoying the opera.For anyone who's ever wondered what all the fuss is about, this witty and informative guide provides a concise overview of the whos, whats, and whys of opera. Scherer covers everything from the differences between various opera styles and the reputations and careers of important composers, to the nature of different voice categories and the kind of roles they usually sing. While covering all of operas high points, the author also touches on such interesting asides as the origin of the diva, the role of madness, opera etiquette, and why we shout "Bravo!"Designed to allow the reader to dip in at any point and get a quick overview of a particular theme or work in the opera repertoire, Bravo! is neither an intimidating encyclopedia nor another book of opera plots, but a lively introduction for anyone who simply wants to know more without getting a lecture. Rounded out with many pithy quotations, anecdotes, lists, and illustrations by the author, Bravo! is the essential guide to appreciating and enjoying opera."Bravo! conveys vast knowledge with conversational ease. A sophisticated guide to operatic enjoyment that will please the connoisseur and will prove invaluable to the uninitiated". -- George Jellinek, critic and host of "The Vocal Scene""Any curious novice who has foundered on operatic shores will find in Barrymore Scherer a trusty and genial guide, one who illuminates the way without deflating opera's inherent mystique". -- James M. Keller, The New Yorker"Scherer gives all the basics...so even a beginner can sound smart. I can't imagine a better book than Bravo!" -- New York Newsday"An excellent all-aroundguide. The genial tone makes this smooth going; unlike many such books this one also is well organized and clear". -- Seattle Times