Sing Me a Story: The Metropolitan Opera's Book of Opera Stories for Children [Paperback]

Jane Rosenberg (Author, Illustrator), Luciano Pavarotti (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 19, 1996

“Engaging. . . . The text and illustrations exude the glamour, passion, and lyricism of opera.”—Publishers Weekly

Jane Rosenberg’s delightful retellings for children of the greatest operas—whether the tales are read as introductions to a opera or to relive a production already seen, art and text combine to give a clear understanding of plot, scene, and character. Young children in particular will enjoy reading the stories—or having them read—both as lovely fairy tales and to help them share in the magic of a real dramatic performance.

Here are the gaiety of The Barber of Seville and the lavish spectacle of Aïda. Sets, costumes, and lighting are re-created to give the true flavor of authentic productions and to approximate, as fully as possible, the experience of attending the opera oneself. 44 illustrations, 29 in color

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Similar in style to Rosenberg's earlier work on ballet, Dance Me a Story , this engaging volume of opera stories is sponsored by the Metropolitan Opera Guild. The text and illustrations exude the glamour, passion and lyricism of opera, from Luciano Pavarotti's playful introduction--the tenor promises to look for the reader in the audience the next time he is on stage--to the last of the 15 vivid synopses which roll along, con brio , in the present tense. Alongside the so-called ABC's-- Aida , La Boheme and Carmen --are less often performed works such as L'Enfant et les Sortileges , Porgy and Bess and The Love for Three Oranges . The author skillfully refers to specific musical passages and uses dialogue drawn from the libretto to link each story to an actual performance. References to staging details, which vary with productions, are a less appropriate choice for inclusion. Although brief accounts in general cannot do justice to the deep emotion and psychological insight of Pagliacci or The Magic Flute , these failings are more than redeemed by Rosenberg's handsomely detailed watercolors, which convey the opulent sensuality of opera at its most sublime. All ages.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Jane Rosenberg is an author and illustrator and lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson; 1st Pbk. Ed edition (March 19, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500278733
• ISBN-13: 978-0500278734
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #202,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jane Rosenberg was born in New York City where she received a Master's degree in painting from New York University. Her love of ballet, opera, and classical music began in childhood. Her desire to introduce children to the delights of the performing arts provided the inspiration for her books. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Robert Porter, a writer. They have three daughters, all devoted to art and music.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the Love of Opera....., March 13, 2002

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sing Me a Story: The Metropolitan Opera's Book of Opera Stories for Children (Paperback)

The orchestra tunes, the audience is seated, a hush falls over the house as the the conductor raises his baton, the curtain opens, and the performance begins in all its splendor. The opera, a magnificent feast for the eyes and ears. Jane Rosenberg brings her writing and illustrating talents, her passion and love of opera to this marvelous collection. Hear the intriguing stories of Aida, La Boheme, Die Fledermaus, The Magic Flute, Pagliacci, The Tales of Hoffman, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Carmen, The Barber of Seville, The Daughter of the Regiment, L'Enfant et les Sortileges, Hansel and Gretel, Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, The Love for Three Oranges, and Porgy and Bess. Each narrative is written in an easy to read and engaging style, and is full of history, mystery, drama, humor, and adventure. The scenes are painstakingly set, the action thrilling and well described, and the dialogue eloquent and easily understood. Ms Rosenberg's elegant and exquisite illustrations are rich in detail, capture the imagination, and send it soaring, and youngsters will visualize and appreciate the grandeur of the sets, scenery, and costumes. Together word and art bring each story to life in an original and fascinating way. Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, or as a read aloud for younger children, Sing Me A Story is a superb introduction to the magical world of opera that is sure to whet the appetite, and peak the interest of young and old alike.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I grew up with this book, and so should every other kid, July 7, 2001

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sing Me a Story: The Metropolitan Opera's Book of Opera Stories for Children (Paperback)

This charming book tells the stories behind 15 operas. Classic and modern, familiar and lesser known. It covers all the bases, as does the Metropolitan Opera in NY with their seasons, which can include everything from Porgy and Bess to Turnadot. The book gives the stories behind Aida, Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Barber of Seville, La Boheme, Carmen, The Daughter of the Regiment, L'Enfant et les Sortileges, Die Fledermaus, Hansel and Gretel, The Love For Three Oranges, The Magic Flute, Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg, Pagliacci, Porgy and Bess, and The Tales of Hoffman. The synopses break the stories down, act by act, taking quotes-translated in English-from the songs to illustrate the stories more vividly. The illustrations also provide an incredible visual for the reader. I had these read to me, and when I was able to read when I was around two, read them myself, and got such a better understanding of operas. It was much more easier to follow the plots, and also makes for quite enjoyable leisure reading. I still read the book to this day, it's not dumbed down, it withstands the test of time in my library.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Start Them on Emotional Intelligence Young, October 22, 2005

By 

Susan Dunn "The EQ Coach" (Dallas,, Tx United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sing Me a Story: The Metropolitan Opera's Book of Opera Stories for Children (Paperback)

As someone who teaches and coaches emotional intelligence, I'm always saddened to find people whose emotional lives are stunted for lack of introduction to the arts. I include the arts, and opera, in my EQ Foundation Course for adults, and in my coach certification training program. Why? Because we know we need it! Opera is an acquired taste, because in the US we don't grow up with it. I bought this book hoping to include it with my EQ products, and to offer it as a selection for my Club Vivo Per Lei/I Live for Music, and I love it. Great stories, and elegant illustrations. Buy the book for your little one and then go with them to Barber of Seville; it's humor appeals to all ages, over time. (Spend the money to sit right up front; the immediacy is important!) And put the arts in your budget right after food, clothing and shelter. The arts develops the emotional life in an intelligent way. It can't over-ride IQ, but without it, IQ is rendered ineffective. Ask Turandot, wink wink. He had to teach her that his name was love, and he didn't do it with his intellect, he did it with a kiss.