The History of Opera for Beginners

by Ron David

Book Overview

The History of Opera For Beginners is a humorous, little book which starts with the radical assumption that Opera is just plain old music, rather than the highbrow, inaccessible music that everyone... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 193438979X
• ISBN13: 9781934389799
• Release Date: November 2013
• Publisher: For Beginners
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Great for beginners

I'm new to opera, and this book was recommended by a family member as a good introduction. It's very thorough, and written in an accesible tone. The best thing about this book is that David, while clearly expressing which operas are his favorites, gives details on all different kinds of Opera so that the reader may decide where to start. I appreciated the descriptions of different voices (although a more thorough description of current singers would have been appreciated) and the discography was very helpful. David also provides the story lines of several operas at the end of the book, with comments on famous arias. I appreciated the descriptions of how opera styles have evolved, and the comparisons between them. David is good at providing short, humorous anecdotes about singers, performances and composers. My favorite anecdote is the one that tells of Toscanini at a performance of Wagner's Tristan and Isolde. In the middle of a very long duet, Toscanini turned to the person next to him and said "If they were Italian, they'd have seven children by now." These types of quips are not only a humorous addition to David's book, but he places them well as to accentuate the points that he is trying to make (in this case, the difference between Italian and German opera.) If you are looking for a quick, informative introduction to opera, this book is for you. I give it four stars instead of five, because I feel that some of the cartoonish side-comments are superfluous, and became a little annoying after awhile.

NOT Just for Beginners

This is an absolutely delightful little book. Much is covered in a highly readable and enjoyable style. Those who know nothing about opera, but would like to learn, will find this a fun and interesting introduction. Those, like myself, who love opera with a passion will also find Ron David's book to be a fun and interesting read -- not to mention "reference". I find that I turn to it often just to check on something. Mr. David's irreverent style is refreshing since I, too, believe that opera is for everyone. True soul music.

An extremely irreverent introduction to opera.

Opera for Beginners is, as the title says, for people who know nothing about the subject. But the book is really for folks who want to learn one guy's opinion of it (Ron David). Mr. David gives a concise and entertaining history of the form, a review of 20th century opera singers, and synopses of his 30 favorite operas. The book is about half text, half cartoons. Always amusing, Mr. David tries to link opera to gospel, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues. You may not agree with his view that Mozart is an "overrated" composer --I happen to think his operas are among the finest ever written. But, he gives you something to think about. And, a fine place to begin your exploration of opera. Just don't think you're getting an exhaustive tome here--you can read Opera for Beginners in an hour or two.