An Invitation to the Opera [Paperback]

John L. Digaetani (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1991

Introduces the uninitiated to the mysteries of opera and helps more experienced buffs expand their understanding and deepen their appreciation of the art form.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Introduces the uninitiated to the mysteries of opera and helps more experienced buffs expand their understanding and deepen their appreciation of the art form.

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Introduces the uninitiated to the mysteries of opera and helps more experienced buffs expand their understanding and deepen their appreciation of the art form.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Anchor (January 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385263392
• ISBN-13: 978-0385263399
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.2 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,615,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This opera introduction is the ONLY one a neophyte needs., January 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: An Invitation to the Opera (Paperback)

This wonderful book has served me well in teaching high school students about the wonders of opera and how to appreciate this complex art form. DiGaetani's book contains succinct, self-contained chapters on the history of opera, the operatic voice, famous singers through the centuries, opera conducting, and opera as theatre. His brief yet pungent summaries of the principal operas in the modern repertoire are especially good. Additionally, the glossary of terms in the back of the book has been carefully selected not to overwhelm the neophyte while still providing complete, accurate definitions. Having taught opera appreciation for several years using only this book, I know how 'User Friendly' it is. I keep coming back to it year after year because it is so expertly crafted. Anyone who wants an introduction that is both comprehensive and accessible will find this book to be indispensable. Without question, a "Best Buy" for the price and length!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Guide to Get into the World of Operas, July 8, 2007

By 

bottle - See all my reviews

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This review is from: An Invitation to the Opera (Paperback)

Before I started to listen to opera, I was already a classical music fan. Nevertheless, I still needed a book that could help me to appreciate operas. The opening of this book convinced that this was the one.

In "Introduction: Why Opera", DiGaetani started with an example to show how the general public might feel about opera, whose story often sounded like "a scene from a soap or B movie". As DiGaetani put it, opera is the most artificial art yet it continues to attract certain audiences. Here DiGaetani did not glorify opera like an unattainable object; instead, he gave an appropriate account of characteristics of opera and barriers to enjoying it.

Doing some homework can help the newbies appreciate the beauty of opera more. DiGaetani began it with the history of opera and essays of some elements of opera as performing art - voice, theater and conductor. just like any guide, ended with biographies of many great singers and a standard repertory (50 most-often-performed operas). He gave each opera in this repertory a little bit background information and an account of goods and bads, not simply a summary of the plot.

However, if you're only looking for the recording recommendations, then this book will disappoint you. DiGaetani only listed two recordings per opera in his list without any comment. Since the book was first published in 86, the youngest singers is Eva Marton (b. 1945) and Pavarotti is consider as young here too. Still, its content is timeless (I first read this book 15 years ago) and can be quite helpful not only to newbies but also to opera lovers.