- ISBN13: 0747313503728
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Album Description
A-Z of Opera is a 762-page, illustrated book, accompanied by two-and-a-half hours of opera’s most glorious and moving moments on two CDs, and reflects the ever-growing Naxos catalog of recordings ranging from Monteverdi to the contemporary. A-Z of Opera provides a wide range of information on operas and their composers, from Handel’s Rinaldo to Mozart’s Die Zauberflote, and beyond. It features plot synopses, background details and cast lists for hundreds of operas i… More >>
Ideas Product
#1 by Opal Rose on May 26, 2010 - 12:26 am
The 2-set CD recordings make wonderful listening when you want a variety, and don’t have several hours to listen to an opera from beginning to end. The booklet is so handy when reading about a particular, but unfamilar, piece. The font is a bit small for my eyes (the reason for 4 stars), but still a great reference source.
Rating: 4 / 5
#2 by SUSAN Cottrell on May 26, 2010 - 2:55 am
I like opera but I am “opera challenged.” This was a gift for my niece who is an avid opera fan. She told me that the book is great. There is so much information covering so many operas. It is a great reference book for all times.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by T. Hobby on May 26, 2010 - 5:45 am
We have loved Opera for years; but, had never been to one. Nor did we know anything really about the composer’s or the story of the Operas. This has quickly become our favorite; we bought a second copy for our car and listen to it on trips. As a result of reading the book that comes with it; and, listening to the CD’s, we have since bought several full length Opera’s for our listening pleasure. But these two CDs are our favorites, one of them is almost always in or near our music system. If you can only afford one purchase about opera, this should be it. We have bought three other copies and given them as gifts to friends.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by T. J. Atkins on May 26, 2010 - 7:58 am
I wanted to learn about opera and found the A-Z of Opera CD and book. I couldn’t believe it when they got here. The price for the CD alone was a bargain, but this book is fantastic. It has the the complete A-Z of Opera from the Naxos website. That’s plot synopses, cast lists and background details for hudreds of operas, plus a lot of other information.
I’ve received a lot of enjoyment from this set. I’m sure that Opera lovers would appreciate it and I know that it is perfect for those who would like to learn Opera.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by ronald n. tan | photographer on May 26, 2010 - 9:26 am
I received this as my 20th birthday gift from my bestfriend and I was amazed at the quality and the content of this CD. Some of the arias which I am immensely fond of are included, i.e. “Habanera” from Bizet’s “Carmen.” And who would have guessed that the soprano on track 10 performing Queen of the Night’s Aria from Mozart’s “Die Zauberflote” was none other than Hellen Kwon? Amazing!
I really love this gift from my bestfriend for it was thoughtful and well, what can I say that this makes an excellant gift for opera neophytes (though I am not an opera neophyte).
The highlight of this CD is track 13, Rossini’s “Largo al Factotum” from “The Barber of Seville.” When I first heard this, I was contemplating to myself as to where have I heard this before. Then it hit me: Michigan J. Frog’s signature tune! (In case people are wondering who on earth is Michigan J. Frog is, he is the Warner Brother’s frog; the frog can be seen on WB network channel). I love this track! Buy this for yourself if not this makes a perfect gift for your opera neophyte friend(s)! This track brings joy and smiles on my face everytime I hear this piece!
Rating: 5 / 5