Keith Hann

I actually received this book as an Early Reviewers book back in 2013, but actually lost it in the process of moving before I could write the review. Just found it again, so, finally here is the review!

A great little book, especially for someone like me who has just discovered opera after a lifetime of running from it. Easy to read, easy to find things, great to dip into to find interesting tidbits. I have actually taken it to the opera and looked up things while watching using my keylight, which I'm sure is very infra dig, but the handy size of the book makes it ideal for this. Terrific little book, highly recommended for opera virgins everywhere.… (plus d'informations)

What a great little introduction to opera! Full of interesting trivia which make opera both more fun and accessible, it's a very different way of looking at opera and hopefully making it more appealing to new generations. I enjoyed the various snapshots of composers, famous operas and singers, how to get started in the opera world and other less thought about aspects such as decor and productions.

This definitely has a British flavour - perhaps a bit too much to make it very appealing to a North American audience - and it misses the mark by not speaking of the live Met opera broadcasts - the biggest international opera event, which puts opera in theatres in even the smallest cities around the globe. I also winced at seeing lesser known British talents get more attention than better known North American ones. Finally, I would have liked to see an index in the back instead of notes pages to be able to refer to the nuggets I had gleaned throughout the book.

Ultimately, an educational and light read which got me into the mood for more opera and a book that I will be sharing with people like me: who enjoy opera without knowing much about it.… (plus d'informations)