5 comments about The Phantom of the Opera - piano vocal Selections.

1. Wow...if you love this type of music...and love the piano...than this is definitely the book for you... Not only is the music strikingly beautiful...but the arrangements are modern enough to be really fun to play... A must buy for anyone who just enjoys playing the piano just to play...



2. We were quite pleased with the promptness in which our order was sent out.
   
   The condition of the book was excellent (as described) when we received it.
   
   We are very happy with both the seller and the merchandise and would recommend to friends.



3. I loved this book! Some have said that it is too hard, but have you heard Phantom of the Opera? Yes, it is not easy but it was written difficult to start! Listen to the music. It sounds difficult. If it was too toned down, the songs in this book wouldnt sound good! Great book!



4. This was a good purchase, and has is fun to sing and play (the Piano) selections from this book.



5. If you are a fan of Phantom of the Opera, this book is a must-have!!! I use this book again and again to sing along with my favorite music from the movie and most of it actually follows along the original play!! Hope you enjoy!!

5 comments about 100 Great Operas And Their Stories: Act-By-Act Synopses.

1. This is a great book for the opera novice or seasoned opera affectionado. Going to an upcoming opera? Reading the synopsis will refresh one's memory or help the novice to better understand what is going on by acts. This is a well written book and a true bargain for the extensive information provided. I have purchased one for myself and another for a friend. A great gift book!



2. I took an intrest in Opera and wanted to discover more about it. To my dismay, when I read reviews in the papers, I found nearlly nothing of value because they never did the simple job of brifely explaining what the story was actual about. That's why this book is great; it gives a brief summary of what the Opera is about act by act. Thus, this guide is a great tool to find a story that you like; however, one should still look into a local review of an Opera to see how the singers perform and the rendition is done; this book gives reviews in the general.



3. they have included some operas i never heard of ,and did not include some good and popular ones.



4. I have used this book for many years as a quick reference for studying operas that are new to me, and for that purpose, the book is excellent. Even though the book is limited to 100 entries, I usually find the opera I want to study. My main complaint about this book is the amount of "editorializing" offered by Mr. Simon. He is certainly an expert in opera, but he makes his personal likes and dislikes clear (perhaps the reason why some obscure operas are included...?). He offended me when he described Puccini's masterpiece, La Fanciulla del West, as a "tired" and "second-rate" Italian opera. Many times he crosses the line from well-educated informant to opinionated critic. That said, his writing is very readable and even humorous at times. I simply advise readers to be aware that this book is not entirely a reporting of facts.



5. Opera deserves a place of honor in any literary collection. It's a proud individual who can say that they know the plot of Lakme or Tales of Hoffman. Even if you haven't seen an opera, get this book, and no one will be the wiser!

No comments about Wagner Beyond Good and Evil.

5 comments about Divas and Scholars: Performing Italian Opera.

1. Probably, this is one of the most important books ever published on the Italian melodrama of the 19th century and its relations to compositional process, composers, editors, conductors, singers and producers. As usual, the approach by Prof. Gossett is comprenhsive, elegant and acurate. For those involved in research on Italian Opera it is a must! The negative point, if relevant, is the prolixity of the text in some sections what, to some extend, is usual in the area of musicological research. Musicologists have some difficulty to go directely to the point,and Gossett is a great musciologist.



2. I found this book a true revelation. No review can express just how much valuable information there is in this book. Certainly the earlier reviewer is correct that this is one of the most important books ever written on early nineteenth-century Italian opera. The focus is on Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, and early Verdi.
   
   Some chapters can be rough going, with a good bit of technical detail. But even the amateur can find much to learn here.
   
   If you're an informed opera-nut, don't miss this one.



3. This beautifully presented tome is fascinating. There may only a few die hard, full time dismissers of Italian Opera left, but they will find it harder to be so snooty after reading any of the chapters. It is all about context. Gosset provides you with detailed examples of the conditions under which the works were composed and performed and the pressures facing all involved. It is fascinating and made me feel like a musical sloth in my own perfomance habits.
   
   There are very elegantly printed musical examples as well as the odd juicy snide comment about singers whose attitude to performing these works is less than thorough. Sometimes the detail is daunting and perhaps a little dry but you could pick and choose your chapters if this is worrying you.
   
   How reassuring that books like this are still being written when the Music section of Borders is filled with biographies of such musical heavyweights as Sting and Bono.



4. "Divas & Scholars" is a masterpiece from every possible perspective, and I am astonished that there are only 4 customer reviews ahead of mine. It is written in the liveliest, most personal style. Every chapter, every paragraph, every sentence is filled with fascinating information and insights. (The only book on music that I have ever read that is its equal is Charles Rosen's universally acclaimed "Classical Style," which was published 35 years ago. Rosen himself gave "Divas & Scholars" a rave review in the New York Review of Books (10/05/06).) No one before Gossett has ever explained so clearly the conditions under which masterpieces by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi were not merely created but nearly tossed off, in almost the manner one associates with live television in the 50's. No one else has ever explained so clearly what a first performance looked like and sounded like, the lighting, the gestures, the sound in a particular theater or particular instruments, and the particular text and ornamentation that a singer chose. No one else has ever shown in such specific detail how performance traditions (and music) were transmitted and how they changed over time and place. "Divas & Scholars" can be read by everyone--the opera lover, the record listener, the stage designer, professional opera singers, orchestra musicians and conductors, and directors. It could be read by everyone who has ever loved Norma, Lucia, and all the other great figures of bel canto opera. It could be read by anyone with an interest in the social history of Europe in the first half of the nineteenth century. A summary of the delights of this book would be as long as the book itself. Five stars are not enough. It will be a resource and a pleasure forever.



5. This is a book every opera conductor should read. A lot of information and beautifully written by one of the greatest opera scholars.

5 comments about Rent.

1. Daughter is "Rent Head" she cried of happiness when she received for Christmas so That gets 5++++ Stars in my book.



2. The life of Jonathan, how Rent was born, how it still grows... The neverending story of the musical that changed (and continues changing) the world. A MUST for every renthead, but also for everyone who likes this musical (both the stage version or the movie). A lot of informations, photos, the musical script...
   You HAVE TO BUY IT!!!
   ...it made me cry... it's SO real... and SO full of love... AMAZING!!!



3. I wasn't a big fan of "Rent" until I saw the movie, and when I read this book, it gave me a bigger meaning to the play/movie.
   
   Warning: This is just for fans of "Rent". Those who haven't seen the movie will get into the story of how it was made, but not as much the screenplay.



4. An absolute necessity for any renthead. only complaint is it is written early on in the broadway run but really that is the end of the story mostly.
   rent has etched itself into my psyche like a weevil. there is not a morning that i wake up that one of the songs is not in my head. i sell music and i have never came across a group of music that has had this effect on me.
   perhaps the story of larson's early demise colors it and adds that extra tragic twist that keeps it inside your soul but whatever it has provided the most joyus ride into musical bliss that i have ever experienced yet.
   (move over "pet sounds", "west side story", "toy matinee" & "eli & the 13th confession".
   the book is laid out well, quite informative. even has comments from the pit band (who are essential).
   GET THIS if you have to futher feed your rent needs.
   viva la vie bohem.



5. This book has everything you need if you are interested in more than just the movie. The whole script is included. Interviews with the entire cast! The whole story of how rent was created, start to finish. It is worth every penny and is the only rent book you'll ever need.

5 comments about Opera for Dummies (Book and Audio CD).

1. WARNING:

   I made the mistake of installing the software that came with this book. It managed to override my recently installed version 5 of Quicktime with an antique version. Now, neither works and the uninstall feature won't remove the offending software.

   Save yourself trouble. Use the CD as a coaster. Better still, throw it away.




2. Open your heart and open your ears. In today's society, when it comes to youth and music, opera is seldom mentioned. Nevertheless, there is still a great number of young opera lovers, thanks to the efforts of great opera singers who are younger- such as Renee Fleming and Samuel Ramey (a baritone who has the MTV touch). Opera is a very old, noble and artistic theatrical musical drama. This Intro is a fascinating inside look at opera singers and the plots of many operas, including the bigger, brand name operas- Tosca, Aida, La Traviata, La Boheme. I don't necessarily think that this is the Bible for opera beginners, there are many other sources for which one can appreciate opera, such as films and books on tape. But this is a very good introduction, with witty dialogue and with a keen connosseurship of the art form. Among the list of tenors that are highly regarded, and mentioned in this book, are Placido Domingo, Jon Vickers and Nicolai Gedda (all great tenors), and sopranos Beverly Sills, Joan Sutherland, Renee Fleming, and mezzo sopranos Cecilia Bartoli and Grace Bumbry. I don't believe they even mentioned Maria Callas, who was a turning point bot in opera recordings and performance. Nevertheless, a very interesting book.



3. Pogue and Speck provide a wonderful, humorous, and accessible text in "Opera for Dummies."

   I just wish they or IDG (publishers) would stop pumping the "free CD" on every page. Readers don't need reminding, after the dozenth time, that a CD is included with the book ... besides at [$$] (retail) for book and CD, it's NOT free, we paid for it. Also the multiple reminders of their "Classical Music for Dummies" is nearly as annoying.

   That said, I found the book highly entertaining and educational.




4. This is a great book. But there's nothing "dumb" or "for dummies" about it. Any person who is bright and has a sense of humor and who is just beginning to be interested in opera will find this funny, clever, irreverent book to be fascinating. Plus, the included CD is of high quality and has a great selection of tracks.

   In sum, this book (while being not as hefty or as chock full of information as competing introduction-to-opera guides) is an intelligant, useful, user-friendly welcome to the universe of opera. The genuine passion of the authors shines through, a trait not found in many of the more traditional guides. All in all, "Opera for Dummies" is not at all for dummies, and is a "must-have" item for the opera beginner.




5. This book has a different "dummies" approach to opera, which is very entertaining. This is excellent, easily readable and very comprehensive. The "50 big cahunas" gives a good introduction to these operas.

5 comments about Arias for Soprano: Voice and Piano (G. Schrimer Opera Anthology).

1. I needed this book for my voice lessons and it was a great price and in wonderful condition. Thank you!



2. Next time, I'll check the titles of the songs more closely. I already have many of these arias in my old copy of Schirmer's Arias for Coloratura Sopranos. I was looking for something that had more arias for the beginner-intermediate level soprano. This is a good book for the more advanced soprano particularly coloratura's, however.



3. I was looking for this book everywhere and couldn't find it. Here in Amazon I found it absolutely new for almost 6$ less that the actual cost it has on the back cover. The edition is clear, easy to read and find and the translations are included. I highly recommend this book for all sopranos.



4. These books are great. I own the coloratura edition, also, along with the Standard Literature book. They are accurate and easy to read. There are also usually a few different options for cadenzas.



5. This book is by far my most tried and true friend. I bought it again because I not only overused and spilled numerous cups of coffee on my last book, but I took it with me everywhere and I would lose my own head if it weren't attached. Nonetheless, I digress.
   
   I have had this book (in one form or another) since I started studying classically 10 years ago. It includes a good variety of arias from various operas across all languages and over the course of opera history. It is an excellent book for college students, because the music is very legible and approachable. Larson has included many stylistic suggestions (appogatura and melismas), as well as a program notes section that includes scene descriptions and translations (which are far better than all in-music texts in other soprano anthologies). I often find it easier to use this music in auditions rather than provide score copies to an accompanist.
   
   This volume, along with the coloratura, oratorio, mezzo-soprano, and volume 2 soprano should be staples in any younger singer's library, and are great references for high school and college professors.

5 comments about Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera.

1. Having read about a dozen books that tout themselves as introductions to opera, I found "Opera 101" to be perhaps the most intriguing of the bunch. In an ever-so-slight way, it is at times a bit preachy and a bit overobvious. You will feel occasionally like you are in a high-school music appreciation class, or reading an operating manual. On the other hand, Plotkin leaves absolutely nothing out, and no stone unturned, and for that he is to be commended. Every possible question is answered, and answered thoroughly. In addition, the appendices are chock full o' valuable information (a list of all the major and mid-major opera houses all over the world; books for further reading; recommended CD recordings and DVD filmings; etc.). And you have the feeling at all times that Ploktin knows what he's talking about.

   This is the PERFECT book for any adult who knows absolutely zilch about opera but who wants to learn it all, and learn it all out of a single source.




2. If you are on the fence and want to dive into opera, but feel intimidated or confused by it, this book is essential. Mr. Plotkin writes in an engaging style that is neither preachy nor simple. While he certainly has his opinions, he tempers them by offering arguments in favor of other interpretations and other recordings. Before reading his book, opera to me was inpenetrable and perhaps something to be tackled years from now when time would be more available. Yet, because he did such an effective job in his book of introducing and explaining opera, i am now an ardent fan and one who makes the time to listen to and see operas. Bravo Mr. Plotkin!! Encore!



3. It is most heartening to see that opera lovers and novices almost universally agree that this book is excellent, informative, and illuminating. I was maybe 14 when I asked a salesperson in a bookstore "do you have a book that will teach me about opera?" Without hesitation, I was directed to "Opera 101".
   
   I was skeptical. However, I am no longer!
   
   Mr. Plotkin is experienced, informed, and well-read. So as not to belabour the structure of the book (since there are many descriptions of it) I'll say that the idea of walking someone through 11 operas is excellent. That Mr. Plotkin picks a particular recording (with commentary per track) is an indespensible fusion with the book.
   
   That is to say Mr. Plotkin has carefully chosen themes, operas, and what he believes to be superior recordings of the above mentioned as illustrations of what opera can be to the average listener. His decisions on recordings are in no way arbitrary, and he takes special care to choose recordings more easily found than those that might be "better" but are less easily found outside of major metropolitan areas.
   
   Let's remember, the original version of this book was written before the internet made just about any recording available in any area. He admits that sometimes he's arbitrary (especially with his recommendation for Il Barbiere di Siviglia...YUCK) but he always explains his good reasons for choosing inferior performances on disc. His are not "Gospel" recommendations, but those he thinks best illustrate the power of opera in recorded form, customs, and the sheer beauty of the human voice.
   
   Beyond that, Mr. Plotkin performs a yeoman's task of qualifying the different kinds of voices in opera, provides an 90+ page history of opera, and gives the average American a primer in the esoteric "etiquette" of attending an opera performance.
   
   Invaluable for its tutorial format, universal as a detailed introduction; "Opera 101" is a MUST for an opera lover's collection.



4. "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 problem with the book. The included discussion of eleven key operas is most beneficial if the reader can 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, a friend with an extensive opera collection, or money to burn, you will not get the most out of "Opera 101".



5. A great overview of over 100 operas - the plot, composers, artists, background news and gossip in a vey interesting and sometimes humorous style. It's fun to read and be informed at the same time.

5 comments about A Soprano on Her Head: Right-Side-Up Reflections on Life and Other Performances.

1. Ms. Ristad has written a book that feels just like she knew me. It's refreshing to hear that we all have many of the same issues about confidence, performance anxiety and classical music in general. She has a nice way of discussing these issues in a way that values them while pointing out just how absurd the conservatory-style music education system really is. Soprano is a must-read, no matter what your instrument.



2. Just as DRAWING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN is more than a book about drawing, so A SOPRANO ON HER HEAD is one of those life-enhancing books from which anyone can benefit. I plan to put this on the Suggested Reading list I hand out at my writing classes.
   
   "In any art there must be movement . . ." she quotes Chaim Nahor, an Israeli painter. Ristad argues quite convincingly that in order to be truly touched by art in any form, we must be _moved_.
   
   Brian Corrigan, one of my favorite fellow novelists, has said that he has a single word posted at the top of his computer monitor. It says "LINGER." Ristad shows us how to linger with every moving moment, and how, as artists in any medium, we can bring forth those moments from the deep well of creativity. We can dance ourselves onto the canvas, the printed page, the composition.
   
   All life, in one form or another, is art. I suggest that we all use A SOPRANO ON HER HEAD to help us paint our lives more brilliantly. I refer to this book often as I'm writing my cat mysteries, and show it to people whose books I edit. This is a book that gives great value for the price and for the time spent reading it.



3. I bought this book because of the wonderful things everyone was saying about it. I am a music major, and being one, I have had many struggles. When you want to study music, no one doubts that you love it. A person has to become it. The struggle of learning the right techniques and harder and harder music is enough to make anyone forget why they loved music in the first place. This book is helping me to let the music flow, and use all of this knowledge that I have learned in college. I beleive that any one who has struggled with themsleves and their music should read this book. It is a beautiful part of any library, and should be read by any and all who come across it.



4. This is an amazing book - a must-read for every performer and teacher. I own this book and my copy is falling apart because I read it so much. Very inspirational and insightful. I can't say enough good things about it.



5. The book starts out really interesting with helpful ideas and tips for all performers, but soon becomes a self proclaiming space for Ristad. It has some redeeming qualities, but I wouldn't buy it.

5 comments about 24 Italian Songs and Arias - Medium High Voice (Book/CD): Medium High Voice - Book/CD.

1. I personally do not like any of John Glen Paton's writings, so I probably will not buy his book even if it does contain translations. This book however is great, but I would suggest that the teacher and student focus on building vocal technique through progressive vocal exercises and even some Vaccai before attempting the songs in this book. This is not a book I would recommend for the early beginner, but I do feel that all should have it in their music library. An addition book that I like even more is from Dover called "Classic Italian Songs for Medium Voice". There are a couple of songs in that book that are in an entirely different key than either of the Schirmer editions and which I prefer. Of course, these are all just my opinions, but I hope they may help someone.



2. Great book, becuase of great songs! A must have for beginner to intermediate classical vocalists



3. I love the fact that this music anthology now comes with a CD for practicing purposes. It makes it fun to rehearse.



4. A great introduction to the vast body of Italian repertoire. Some of the tempos on the accompaniment CD are a little fast (perhaps just my taste). This is a book you will go back to again and again; the material is appropriate for church, weddings, recitals, etc. A great learning tool.



5. This was my first book given to me as a voice student when I was 11 years old. I have since 26 years later both sung and taught out of this book regularly. I can't imagine my music library without it. These are great classical songs for any novice and continue to be a great reference as warm up arias for the more advanced singer.
   
   Check out: Vocalize!