Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera

The reader will benefit from a simplified overview of the evolution of the performing arts outlined in a timeline from the ancient Greeks to the 20th century. The chapter “Becoming and opera cognoscente” should have be re-titled as it has a very negative connotation that could be taken for advice on how to be an operatic snob without a requisite formal training in classical music. There are valuable insights to be gleaned in this chapter, as is the case with most of the book, so it should not be ignored. However, with that being said, the most glaring omission in this book is the lack of a comprehensive compendium of technical terminology defining operatic vocal techniques and definitions. “Opera 101” is grounded in a perspective of a bygone era of singers and production styles, although this is by no means a negative attribute. The so-called “golden era” of opera is the resource to which most (if not all) 21st century singers gravitate towards by necessity as an essential guideline for refining their vocal technique and formulating a springboard for their career goals. This is a reality of all human endeavors, we cannot move forward by ignoring what has come before; a point of reference is essential. I suggest that there is not any one publication that will inspire anybody to purchase a ticket or subscription to an opera (house) without the reader having first attended a performance or viewed one by way of a streaming venue. A case in point is the fact that this book is available for purchase at the Met. Opera's gift shop, which presupposes that you've already attended at least one live performance. Without that experience, this and any other book is useless. Taking all this into account, I highly recommend the Metropolitan Opera's streaming service which is a priceless resource and by far, offers the most comprehensive selection of video and audio operatic recordings in comparison to other major opera houses. Search YouTube by title and singer exhaustively and you'll be amazed at what you'll find and have the benefit of comparative study at your fingertips at all times. I question some of the operatic selections highlighted by Mr. Plotkin as illustrative of the various stylistic genres, but this again is purely a matter of personal taste. Overall, this is a very good book with a great deal of knowledge from which to glean valuable insights, although some of these points are glossed over and easily overlooked for lack of emphasis.

My brother tried to get me interested in opera 50+ years ago, and I waved the opportunity. Who wants to waste their time listening to a bunch of overweight people shirking in a foreign language. Well, time has a way of maturing all of us. I recently became interested in how the voice is used in singing, and opera aria's soon became the best examples. I soon discovered that the techniques used in singing opera are those demanded by the composer - surprise. I began listening to aria's by various opera singers, and finally decided that I needed to focus my efforts to really learn something. I ordered Plotkin's book, because the title implied that I would start from the basics - I am well pleased. Plotkin takes you through opera history, the jargon, attending your first opera, and then introduces you to eleven opera's that show different techniques and theme's. That depth was needed by a 75 year old neophyte who wanted to learn. Some of the material was absorbed quickly, and the rest will take longer; perhaps a lifetime. Plotkin gives you a method of preparing for an opera, that, if followed, assures you will enjoy yourself. Wish I had listened to my brother years ago, but Plotkin's book helps me in correcting the misteak. I highly recommend the book, and know that everybody will get something out of it.

This is a simple, well-written book, designed for anyone who has ever been interested in opera but never really been able to "get it". Plotkin explains everything you need to know -- the different voices, the history, the basics -- in a way that is entertaining and informative. After listening to opera (with a lot of frustration at what I knew I was missing) for many years, I really heard and enjoyed my first opera, thanks to Plotkin. After reading less than half the book, you will find yourself listening to recordings of great operas and loving them. I have already booked tickets to the next local performances. If you have ever wondered what all the fuss is about opera, read this book. You will be glad you did. It opens a beautiful world that, for me at least, had always been mysterious.

"Opera 101" is well written, easy to understand, and very informative. I wish every subject had a reference book so excellent. That said, there is one aspect of the book worth being aware of from the outset. The included discussion of eleven key operas relies on the reader's ability to get ahold of certain recommended recordings. To purchase those recordings is extremely expensive. I bought "Opera 101" because I didn't know anything about opera, and one of the first things I learned as result of buying this book is that a single opera recording can cost more than $50. Unless you have a well stocked public library, access to an internet music service that includes the suggested recordings, a friend with an extensive opera collection, or money to burn, you will not get the most out of "Opera 101." **UPDATE: In response to some of the comments on this review, I have added this update to clarify that my issue was with the unexpectedly high (for me, as a consumer learning about opera) costs of the specific recordings cited in the book. If the author had also, on top of his preferred suggestions, included recommendations for more budget friendly recordings, that would have bumped this book up to 5 stars for me. I will also take this opportunity to add that in the years since I first read Opera 101, it has served me extremely well. Besides helping me develop what is looking to be a life long love of opera, it has also given me the ability to hold my own in conversations about the art with individuals with many more years of opera appreciation under their belts.

I am very excited to finally have a book that will gently guide me through the nuances of opera. I've had a love/hate relationship with Opera for years, mostly due to my own ignorance, but recently i listened to an interview on NPR with Mr Plotkin. I so enjoyed listening to him talk about opera and learned so much just from the interview, that I decided to get this book. I am so happy with it. Mr Plotkin makes it easy for the uninformed lay person, like myself, to understand opera as a genre as well as the very specific operas he discusses. His love and passion for the art is apparent. I have just begun the book, but am enjoying it and looking forward to reading the rest as well as going to my 'first' opera with new understanding. If you are looking for an introduction to Opera to help you understand and enjoy this amazing format, this is the book for you.

Easy to comprehend

The book offers a clear pathway to, as the title suggests, learning and loving opera. The book is great for anyone just starting to go to operas or someone who enjoys operas and wants a readable description of what makes this art form great.

This is a great book full of very interesting and useful information. I would definitely buy it again. (I bought a used copy and it is very well love. Perhaps one day I'll buy it again.)

Sa façon d'instruire, c'est un peu comme si tous ses lecteurs avaient moins de 18 ans, mais ce livre est efficace pour tous ceux qui viennent de découvrir l'opéra et souhaitent rapidement apprendre à mieux apprécier cet art (le temps est précieux). L'auteur n'a pas la plus belle plume de tous les mélomanes, mais facile à lire : voire très abordable pour quelqu'un comme moi qui galère d'habitude pour finir les livres en anglais.

A great way to learn how to truly appreciate and understand opera, particularly if your a novice like me.

Ottimo libro ricco di particolari riguardanti la nascita dell'opera e dei vari compositori. Tutto il volume è in lingua Inglese.

The best guide a neophyte could possibly find, written by a man who obviously loves the art form above all else, and is a good enough writer to convey that. Everything you need to t least start with, with none of the pedantry.

Una introducción muy buena al mundo de la obra. Un poco antigua, pero que enseña, entretiene (como el libro Gordo de Petete) y puede ser una puerta de entrada a un mundo excepcional: el de la reina de las artes escénicas.