Opera: What's All the Screaming About?

by Roger Englander

Readers of this entertaining guide to opera by Roger Englander will be hooked by the first chapter, which summarizes the plots of fifty popular operas in outrageous, yet accurate, tabloid headlines. Englander introduces opera's great composers and performers; traces the history of opera from its origins in Renaissance Florence through present-day musical theater; and uses an in-depth study of Bizet's Carmen to demonstrate how an opera evolves. Throughout, his personal asides and observations dispel the mystique of opera and make this grand and complex art accessible to all.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1983

Reviews

[Mary Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very quick read, and provides a little taste for what opera is about. I liked the structure and how he applied each part to Carmen - specificity helps. However, he kept injecting opinion that's a bit off-putting and unnecessary. It's fine to have a point of view, but it's not helpful to his position to sneer at opposing opinions.

Also, this is dated and it is long due for someone to update. I think something with a similar structure would be good.

[Elizabeth Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as research for my novel, My Phantom: The Memoir of Christine Daaé. The novel is set in the world of opera. When I began this project, I knew ZERO about opera. This book began my education.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful for read for anyone, not just beginners, as it includes many interesting historical tidbits.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good quick intro to a world of music that most of us do not know.