Opera Explained: An Introduction to Rossini's "The Barber of Seville"

Thomson Smillie (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Composer: Thomson Smillie
• Audio CD (July 17, 2001)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B00005B0CU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,294 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #10 in Music > Indie Music > Opera & Vocal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific introduction to a classic, August 7, 2001

By 

F. Behrens "Frank Behrens" (Keene, NH USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Opera Explained: An Introduction to Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" (Audio CD)

First of all, what is this item doing under Popular music? But barring that, on with the review.

Of all the recordings that profess to be an "Introduction to Opera," those from the Metropolitan Opera Guild have led the pack. Unfortunately, many of them are no longer available; and so it is a Good Thing that mighty Naxos has introduced a new series called "Opera Explained." The first two entries are "An Introduction to THE BARBER OF SEVILLE" (8.558008) and "An Introduction to AIDA" (8.558009).

Both are written by Thomson Smillie and narrated by actor David Timson. The discussions begin with a long introduction to the composer and the times in which the work was composed, and then goes on to tell the story using highlights from Naxos recordings of the work. What is important, however, is that each song is analyzed both dramatically and musically. For example, Smillie's main thesis is that "Aida" is really a chamber opera (with a circus in the middle) so that he emphasizes the human element in the duets, while not forgetting the political themes that form the background.

I am not sure if references to Miss Piggy and other modern personalities and events do not slightly dumb down the arguments, but they are rare and do raise a smile. The target audience is obviously the educated adult, not the television-addicted child. Yet, the latter might certainly find much of what is on these CDs of interest. Teachers, take note.

5.0 out of 5 stars greatly helpful, March 26, 2008

By 

L. McCullough - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Opera Explained: An Introduction to Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" (Audio CD)

Listening to this CD multiple times substantially added to my enjoyment
of the live opera performance that I later attended.
Despite being trained in classical piano, I am a novice when it comes to opera.
I followed the story much better than I would have without the CD.

The CD is filled with faccinating information about Rossini and this particular opera.
The only downside was that I was later disappointed with the university orchestra in the perfomance I attended,
as the professional orchestra on the CD is such a pleasure to listen to.