Sing Me A Story: The Metropolitan Opera's Book Of Opera Stories For Children Read Free Books and Download eBooks
“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 Aida. 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
Lexile Measure: 860L (What's this?)
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Thames & Hudson; 1st Pbk. Ed edition (March 19, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0500278733
ISBN-13: 978-0500278734
Product Dimensions: 1.1 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #285,964 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1 in Books > Teens > Art, Music & Photography > Music > Classical #23 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Music & Photography > Music > Classical #74 in Books > Teens > Literature & Fiction > Performing Arts > Music
Age Range: 12 - 17 years
Grade Level: 1 - 3
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.
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.
It can be difficult these days to find books to read to your childern that are both interesting to the child, and to the adult who is reading it! For those of you that are opera fans and want a way to indtroduce your little one to these masterpieces, this book does a fantastic job.The book is well constructed, with very strong binding and high quality paper. The illustrations are beautiful and children of all ages will enjoy looking at them. The stories of these magical operas are told with faithfulness to the originals and instill a sense of wonder. Nothing can really compare to seeing one of these works in person by a great opera company, but this book is a fantastic way to indtroduce your children to fantastic stories and the world of opera in a way other than the actual music. We've enjoyed it many times over and highly sing its praise.
I bought this book as a primer before taking my 6-year-old to "The Barber of Seville" - the first opera for both of us.The text is not the typical children's book made of large print and miniature paragraphs; rather, it reads at perhaps a middle-school level, telling the story of several operas. There are a few illustrations, but mostly text. After reading it to my daughter, I can honestly say that we both learned from this book. An accompanying CD would have been awesome (sigh)
Grandson (6yrs) loving the Liberetto of each opera! I really enjoy introducing him to the classics and even humming some of the main arias. Of course, the intro by Pavarotti is my special treat and playing the dvd or cd with Il Maestro singing really draws my grandson's interest because he knows the story!
I bought this for a child's birthday gift. I would have bought 2 more for my own grandsons. It is beautifully illustrated. As a mother and grandmother, I believe it is very important to introduce children to classical music.
It was wonderful. Wished I'd had it when I was at school. I was a librarian. Children these days need a broader background in culture. I used the opera Aida (which is in ths book), with books, history, music, authors, and illustrators. They can learn so much when you teach it from all aspects.
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.
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