The Magic Flute Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Magic Flute
Book Review: The Perfect Introduction to the Opera
Summary: 5 Stars
As someone newly-introduced to "The Magic Flute," I have no knowledge of other performances. I bought this book and CD set in order to familiarize myself and my wife with this opera prior to viewing it live. What a perfect introduction it was. The singing is absolutely beautiful, and the explanation of the history of the composer and opera and pictures from past performances were exactly what I needed to feel prepared to understand it live. We will be purchasing the entire Black Dog Opera Library set in order to begin educating ourselves about opera. A great study tool for the ignorant!Book Review: THE BEST Queen of the Night ever
Summary: 5 Stars
As someone who has studied over 20 recording of Flute, I can say that this is the BEST Queen on record BY FAR! They need to invent a new fach (heldencoloratura) for Edda Moser. Simply thrilling. Worth buying the book and CDs for her 12 minutes alone, but the rest of the cast is excellent, as is the information in the accompanying book. Plus, where can you find a complete recording for cheaper? This recording would make an excellent addition to the opera library of novices and aficionados alike.Book Review: Mini-sized guide laden with maxi-helpful information
Summary: 5 Stars
The Opera Journeys Mini Guide Series is just wonderful; it's like a "Cliff Note" of the opera, and extremely informative and educational. I particularly like the size; these guides are not cumbersome and fit right into my shirt pocket. The ladies will find sufficient room in their pocketbooks.The story narrative with the music examples is excellent. I prefer it to a libretto; indeed, it's a much easier way to follow the essence of the story. The essay is magnificent; very well written, not pedantic, and extremely insightful and comprehensible. I congratulate Burton Fisher for a job very well done and Amazon for making these handy, information-laden booklets available. The Opera Journeys Mini Guide Series is a wonderful contribution to opera education and opera appreciation.
My tip: acquire the entire collection because you will be in easy reach of superbly presented opera guides consisting of story analysis, principal characters in the opera, story narrative with music highlights, background, analysis, and commentary.
Heinz Dinter, Ph.D.
Book Review: Quality books and recordings
Summary: 5 Stars
Nowhere else will you find such a deal. I was skeptical at first, but was not disappointed when my first Black Dog set came in the mail. The book is extremely informative, helpful, and educational, and the CDs are high-quality recordings of notable performances. I do not know how they do it for such a good price, but get them while you can --- I wish I had know about these two years ago!Book Review: Make sure you're getting the right version!
Summary: 3 Stars
I just wanted to warn people thinking of getting this book -- make sure you're getting the one you want! The editorial review for the children's version of "The Magic Flute" refers in part to a Black Dog Opera version -- *that's* the one with the libretto and two CDs. The children's version (retold by Anne Gatti) has only one CD of selections from the opera, and no libretto, just a retelling of the story. I bought the children's version by mistake, based on the editorial review and the customer reviews (some of which also claim that 2 CDs are included), but it turns out these do not refer at all to the children's version.That said, if you're just looking for something for your kids, definitely go for the children's version (ASIN 0811810038). The illustrations are cute, and the text is written to follow along with the CD selections... fine for the age range they indicate. If, however, you want the full libretto with translations, and the full opera on CD, make sure you get the "Black Dog" version which is referenced as "hardcover edition" on the kid's version page. (Hope that makes sense!)