The Young Person's Guide to the Opera: With Music from the Great Operas (Book & CD)
Gr 4-8-This book features bright color photos and a dynamic layout that is ideal for readers who are after a more informal, friendly approach to the subject. Ganeri and Barber cover many aspects of opera, from the origins of the form to the stories behind the great works to the most famous opera singers and the venues in which they perform. Many pages contain a "Did You Know?" box that reveals an interesting but little-known fact bound to spark readers' curiosity. There are a few quibbles with the text, such as the omission of Beverly Sills, surely one of the premiere divas in the field, and a typographical error in the spelling of musical-comedy composer Richard Rodgers's name. The accompanying CD is an excellent complement to the book. It contains an enticing mix of vocal and instrumental tracks, at least half of which will be recognized by listeners. Unfortunately, although the titles of the songs and operas are listed, there are no performer credits, so although students will be aware of what they are hearing, they will not know who is singing. Still, the book and CD are an attractive and effective package that will make this often-intimidating art form more accessible.Ronni Krasnow, New York Public LibraryCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.