SUMMIT, N.J., Aug. 30, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Even those who savor a night of resonating baritones and lilting sopranos can appreciate assistance in understanding the subtle nuances of the art and the stories it tells. In Notes on This Evening's Opera (now available through AuthorHouse), by Richard Kopp, readers are treated to an easily accessible guide that reveals the richness behind the music, the composers and the drama itself.
Kopp uses an approachable, conversational style to appeal to audiences of all levels as he guides them through a selection of operas, from obscure to widely recognized works of art. The essays address questions that both the novice attendee and aficionado may ask as they witness these dramatic poetic, musical and visual displays.
As a longtime observer and participant in this dynamic culture, Kopp knows firsthand what there is to love and what can intimidate potential fans. For example, operas offer audiences a vivid recreation of the social and political constructs of times long ago, mixed, of course, with timeless passions of human emotions. On the other hand, the listener who is not strongly prepared to understand the details involved in composition may find the written presentation difficult to grasp. Notes on This Evening's Opera stresses an easy approach to the elements, which in turn can immediately improve one's level of enjoyment, no matter how many times they have waited in anticipation for the house lights to dim.
An entertaining and informative guide, Notes on This Evening's Opera offers readers a guest pass to enjoy the world history, musical composition, dance and poetry that comprise this unique art form.
Kopp credits his rich and varied experiences of discovering opera to "the genius of a first special encounter." He has been associated with Opera at Florham from its inception in 1982 as stage director, translator for librettos, initiator of "supertitles" and presenter of "operalogues" for each production. His lectures, Discovering Opera, have been well received, and he is the host of the Violetta DuPont Vocal Competition, which attracts international contestants. Kopp has also served as a judge for the Licia Albanese/Puccini Foundation Vocal Competitions. His previous books include Marcel Proust as a Social Critic, The Moralist Tradition in France and Readings in French Literature.
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