The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Opera
With the imprimatur of National Public Radio, these entries  constitute an auspicious beginning to a new series that will  total four titles (those on jazz and classical music will be  released in fall 2002). Berger (Verdi with a Vengeance, Wagner  Without Fear) and ragtime pianist Morath obviously have great  affection for and knowledge of their subjects. Directed to lay  readers, their witty and informative handbooks include  introductory frameworks; historical development and contexts;  short biographical treatment of major figures such as composers,  performers, and conductors; a "deconstruction" section  interpreting the genre; a glossary; details on the major songs  or operas; discographies (30 suggested CDs in Opera and 75 in  Popular Standards); and selected resources for further study,  including web sites. The opinionated remarks (Morath writes that  Louis Armstrong is "the twentieth century's dominant figure in  American music") and recording choices are sure to provoke  comments among aficionados. Facts are generally reliable,  explanations are assured, and the sidebars are especially  interesting. The Morath volume nicely complements William  Zinsser's recent Easy To Remember: The Great American  Songwriters and Their Songs (LJ 2/1/01), while Berger's provides  a contrast to opinions offered in books like Michael Walsh's  Who's Afraid of Opera? (S. & S., 1994). With their affordability  and upbeat tone, both guides are enthusiastically recommended  for public libraries. (Indexes not seen.) Barry Zaslow, Miami  Univ. Libs., Oxford, OHCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.