Opera For Dummies
Opera For Dummies

Author: David Pogue

Publisher: For Dummies

Published: 1997-09-04

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 9780764550102

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“Pogue is a wonderful teacher… He can teach anybody.” — Gay Talese, bestselling author of Honor Thy Father “Scott Speck is a great communicator of classical music…. Concert audiences and readers alike can’t help getting caught up in the joy of his subject.” — David Styers, American Symphony Orchestra League Opera is weird. Everybody wears makeup and sings all the time. Even when they’re singing your language, which is rare, you still can’t understand the words. Women play men, men play women, and 45-year-olds play teenagers. All the main characters seem to get killed off. And when somebody dies, he takes ten minutes to sing about it. Yet, for all its weirdness, an operatic experience is an experience in breathtaking beauty. When you hear a soprano float a soft high C, or a tenor singing a love song, or a full-throated chorus in the climax of a scene’s dramatic finale, you can’t help getting goosebumps. Want to experience all that beauty for yourself, but don’t know where to begin? Opera For Dummies is an excellent place to start. Written by an acclaimed conductor and a musical director, this friendly guide tells you what you need to know to: Understand opera from the Baroque and Roman periods through today Interpret characters, orchestra, chorus, and other players Understand what’s happening, both on stage and off Choose the best seats Identify famous operas Build a great collection of opera recordings Locate opera sites and chat groups online Whether you’re interested in attending a live opera, want to build a collection of recordings, or just want to be able to talk about opera intelligently, Opera For Dummies is for you. Among other things, you’ll explore: The words, the music, and the people who sing it The history of opera and the lives of the great composers Going to the opera — including tips for getting tickets, preparing for the opera, dressing for the opera, and more Musical and theatrical conventions used in opera In-depth synopses of the world’s most beloved operas On the bonus CD you’ll find: More than 60 minutes of music compiled especially for the book A multimedia piece for PC or MAC Wonder what it is about opera that can make a grown person cry like a baby? Find out in Opera For Dummies.

Classical Music For Dummies
Classical Music For Dummies

Author: David Pogue

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2015-06-25

Total Pages: 387

ISBN-13: 1119049741

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Haydn, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms, oh, my! The beginner's guide to classical music Classical Music For Dummies is a friendly, funny, easy-to-understand guide to composers, instruments, orchestras, concerts, recordings, and more. Classical music is widely considered one of the pinnacles of human achievement, and this informative guide will shows you just how beautiful and rewarding it can be. You'll learn how Bach is different from Beethoven, how Mozart is different still, and why not all "classical" music is actually Classical if it's really Baroque or Romantic. You'll be introduced to the composers and their work, and discover the groundbreaking pieces that shake the world every time they're played. Begin building your classical music library with the essential recordings that define orchestral, choral, and operatic beauty as you get acquainted with the orchestras and musicians that bring the composers to life. Whether you want to play classical music or just learn more about it, Classical Music For Dummies will teach you everything you need to know to get the most out of this increasingly popular genre. Distinguish flute from piccolo, violin from viola, and trumpet from trombone Learn the difference between overtures, requiems, arias, and masses Explore the composers that shaped music as we know it Discover the recordings your music library cannot be without Classical music has begun sneaking into the mainstream — if your interest has been piqued, there's never been a better time to develop an appreciation for this incredibly rich, complex, and varied body of work. Classical Music For Dummies lays the groundwork, and demonstrates just how amazing classical music can be.

Opera 101
Opera 101

Author: Fred Plotkin

Publisher: Hachette UK

Published: 2013-07-16

Total Pages: 512

ISBN-13: 1401306004

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Opera is the fastest growing of all the performing arts, attracting audiences of all ages who are enthralled by the gorgeous music, vivid drama, and magnificent production values. If you've decided that the time has finally come to learn about opera and discover for yourself what it is about opera that sends your normally reserved friends into states of ecstatic abandon, this is the book for you. Opera 101 is recognized as the standard text in English for anyone who wants to become an opera lover--a clear, friendly, and truly complete handbook to learning how to listen to opera, whether on the radio, on recordings, or live at the opera house. Fred Plotkin, an internationally respected writer and teacher about opera who for many years was performance manager of the Metropolitan Opera, introduces the reader (whatever his or her level of musical knowledge) to all the elements that make up opera, including: A brief, entertaining history of opera; An explanation of key operatic concepts, from vocal types to musical conventions; Hints on the best way to approach the first opera you attend and how to best understand what is happening both offstage and on; Lists of recommended books and recordings, and the most complete traveler's guide to opera houses around the world. The major part of Opera 101 is devoted to an almost minute-by-minute analysis of eleven key operas, ranging from Verdi's thunderous masterpiece Rigoletto and Puccini's electrifying Tosca through works by Mozart, Donizetti, Rossini, Offenbach, Tchaikovsky, and Wagner, to the psychological complexities of Richard Strauss's Elektra. Once you have completed Opera 101, you will be prepared to see and hear any opera you encounter, thanks to this book's unprecedentedly detailed and enjoyable method of revealing the riches of opera.

Singing For Dummies
Singing For Dummies

Author: Pamelia S. Phillips

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-05-23

Total Pages: 340

ISBN-13: 1118053044

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Ah, there’s just nothing better than singing in the shower. The acoustics are perfect and you don’t sound half bad, if you do say so yourself. In fact, with a little practice you could be the next “American Idol” platinum-selling recording artist, or stage sensation. It’s time for Pavarotti to step down and for you to step up as monarch of songdom. Whether you’re a beginning vocalist or a seasoned songster, Singing for Dummies makes it easy for you to achieve your songbird dreams. Singing for Dummies gives you step-by-step instructions and lots of helpful tips, hints, vocal exercises, reminders, and warnings for both men and women, including advice on: The mechanics of singing Discovering your singing voice Developing technique Singing in performance Maintaining vocal health Performing like a pro Singing for Dummies is written by Dr. Pamelia Phillips, Chair of Voice and Music at New York University’s Undergraduate Drama Department. Dr. Phillips shares all of her professional expertise to help you sing your way to the top. She gives you all the information you need to know about: Proper posture and breathing Perfecting your articulation Finding the right voice teacher for you How to train for singing Selecting your music materials Acting the song Overcoming stage fright Auditioning for musical theater In addition to Dr. Phillips’ wisdom, Singing for Dummies comes with a CD packed full of useful instruction and songs, including: Demonstrations of proper technique Exercises to develop technique and strength Scales and pitch drills Practice songs for beginning, intermediate, and advanced singers Singing for Dummies contains all the information, practices, techniques, and expert advice you need to hone your vocal skills with ease.

Piano Exercises For Dummies
Piano Exercises For Dummies

Author: David Pearl

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2009-01-29

Total Pages: 243

ISBN-13: 0470451521

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The ideal hands-on reference for piano students who want to strengthen their skills and refine their technique--and the perfect companion and next step to the bestselling Piano For Dummies. Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Outlook 2010 For Dummies
Outlook 2010 For Dummies

Author: Bill Dyszel

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2010-04-09

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 0470632747

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Get up to speed on the new features of Outlook 2010 with this fun and friendly guide Although Microsoft Outlook is the number one most popular e-mail and productivity tool, many utilize only a fraction of its true potential. This easy-to-understand guide walks you through an abundance of often-overlooked tips and tricks so that you can take advantage of all that Outlook has to offer. Outlook 2010 For Dummies introduces you to the user interface, and explains how to use the To-Do bar, filter junk email, and make the most of Outlook’s anti-phishing capabilities. Before you know it, you'll be managing e-mail folders; sharing your calendar; using RSS support; integrating tasks with OneNote, Project, Access, and SharePoint Services; accessing data with two-way sync and offline access; and more. Shares invaluable advice for taking advantage of the newest version of the most popular e-mail and productivity tool: Outlook 2010 Reveals little-known tips and tricks of underused features of Microsoft Outlook Presents information in the beloved fun and friendly For Dummies style, showing you how to manage your e-mail, share your calendar, use RSS support, access data, and more Describes how to manage your day by filtering junk e-mail, using the To-Do bar, taking advantage of anti-phishing capabilities, and much more This helpful guide shows you how to work smart with Outlook 2010!

Singing Exercises For Dummies
Singing Exercises For Dummies

Author: Pamelia S. Phillips

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2020-07-17

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 1119701058

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Build your voice up—and bring the house down! Some people are born with naturally beautiful voices, but even the best can get better by applying training that can make a performance truly soar. Singing Exercises For Dummies shows you how to do just that. Following the drills and exercises found both in the book and online examples, you'll be able to refine your technique; develop consistency, power, and endurance; and increase your vocal range so you can achieve a voice that stands out from (and always wows) the crowd! Professional singing coach and respected performer Pamelia S. Phillips is your friendly tutor and guide, starting you out with warm-ups and instructions on correct posture before leading you melodically through the intricacies of scales, chords, rhythm, pitch, tone, and much, much more. Advance your technique and control Work out your range Harmonize with others Practice like a pro Whether you're studying under a tutor or are working to your own plan, Singing Exercises For Dummies will have you quickly scaling up the ladder to vocal perfection—and even more! P.S. If you think this book seems familiar, you'’re probably right. The Dummies team updated the cover and design to give the book a fresh feel, but the content is the same as the previous release of Singing Exercises For Dummies (9781118281086). The book you see here should'n’t be considered a new or updated product. But if you'’re in the mood to learn something new, check out some of our other books. We’'re always writing about new topics!

Classical Music For Dummies
Classical Music For Dummies

Author: David Pogue

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2021-11-12

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 1119848784

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Classical music was never meant to be an art for snobs! In the 1700s and 1800s, classical music was popular music. People went to concerts with their friends, they brought snacks and drinks, and cheered right in the middle of the concert. Well, guess what? Three hundred years later, that music is just as catchy, thrilling, and emotional. From Bach to Mozart and Chopin, history's greatest composers have stood the test of time and continue to delight listeners from all walks of life. And in Classical Music For Dummies, you'll dive deeply into some of the greatest pieces of music ever written. You'll also get: A second-by-second listening guide to some of history's greatest pieces, annotated with time codes A classical music timeline, a field guide to the orchestra, and listening suggestions for your next foray into the classical genre Expanded references so you can continue your studies with recommended resources Bonus online material, like videos and audio tracks, to help you better understand concepts from the book Classical Music For Dummies is perfect for anyone who loves music. It's also a funny, authoritative guide to expanding your musical horizons—and to learning how the world's greatest composers laid the groundwork for every piece of music written since.

Music Theory For Dummies
Music Theory For Dummies

Author: Michael Pilhofer

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2019-07-11

Total Pages: 343

ISBN-13: 1119575524

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Tune in to how music really works Whether you’re a student, a performer, or simply a fan, this book makes music theory easy, providing you with a friendly guide to the concepts, artistry, and technical mastery that underlie the production of great music. You’ll quickly become fluent in the fundamentals of knocking out beats, reading scores, and anticipating where a piece should go, giving you a deeper perspective on the works of others — and bringing an extra dimension to your own. Tracking to a typical college-level course, Music Theory For Dummies breaks difficult concepts down to manageable chunks and takes into account every aspect of musical production and appreciation — from the fundamentals of notes and scales to the complexities of expression and instrument tone color. It also examines the latest teaching techniques — all the more important as the study of music, now shown to provide cognitive and learning benefits for both children and adults, becomes more prevalent at all levels. Master major and minor scales, intervals, pitches, and clefs Understand basic notation, time signals, tempo, dynamics, and navigation Employ melodies, chords, progressions, and phrases to form music Compose harmonies and accompanying melodies for voice and instruments Wherever you want to go musically — as a writer or performer, or just as someone who wants to enjoy music to its fullest — this approachable guide gives you everything you need to hear!

Logic For Dummies
Logic For Dummies

Author: Mark Zegarelli

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2006-11-29

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 0471799416

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A straightforward guide to logic concepts Logic concepts are more mainstream than you may realize. There’s logic every place you look and in almost everything you do, from deciding which shirt to buy to asking your boss for a raise, and even to watching television, where themes of such shows as CSI and Numbers incorporate a variety of logistical studies. Logic For Dummies explains a vast array of logical concepts and processes in easy-to-understand language that make everything clear to you, whether you’re a college student of a student of life. You’ll find out about: Formal Logic Syllogisms Constructing proofs and refutations Propositional and predicate logic Modal and fuzzy logic Symbolic logic Deductive and inductive reasoning Logic For Dummies tracks an introductory logic course at the college level. Concrete, real-world examples help you understand each concept you encounter, while fully worked out proofs and fun logic problems encourage you students to apply what you’ve learned.