The Young Person's Guide to the Opera: With Music from the Great Operas on Cd - Hardcover

Ganeri, Anita; Barber, Nicola; Royal Opera House (London, England); San Diego Opera Association

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0152164987 ISBN 13: 9780152164980

Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books, 2001

Synopsis

Opera s colorful history is rich with exciting stories. Through conversational text, informative sidebars, and full-color photographs, young readers will learn about the talented people--composers, singers, musicians, stagehands, set and costume designers, makeup crews--and the technical wizardry that go into staging opera s lavish performances. There are even behind-the-scenes glimpses of many of today s great opera companies, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the San Diego Opera.Created in association with London s Royal Opera House and the San Diego Opera, this hardcover book-and-CD package is a sumptuous introduction to the world of opera. The accompanying CD captures memorable moments from some of the most famous operas.

About this title

About the Authors

ANITA GANERI is a writer and editor of children’s books, including the companion volumes in the Young Person’s Guide ... series. She lives in England.

NICOLA BARBER has written and edited many nonfiction children’s books, including several about music and the arts. She lives in Bristol, England.

ANITA GANERI is a writer and editor of children’s books, including the companion volumes in the Young Person’s Guide ... series. She lives in England.

NICOLA BARBER has written and edited many nonfiction children’s books, including several about music and the arts. She lives in Bristol, England.

Reviews

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 Library

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0152164987
• ISBN 13: 9780152164980
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 55