When the Fat Lady Sings: Opera History as It Ought to Be Taught

Great starter book for anyone new to opera. Good facts and figures but presented like a human being. Laughed all the way through.

When looking for an interesting and light overview of opera history, this is a great book. If you are looking for a brief overview that will keep your attention (unlike other history textbooks) and you like anecdotes, this book definitely fits the bill. I have taken many music history courses and am very familiar with history timelines, but this book gave me the interesting tidbits they don't always tell you about in the classroom. Very amusing, but not the resource if you're looking for the most "scholastic" book.

I am a music major at college and study opera intensivly. There are some really boring books on the subject, but When The Fat Lady Sings is NOT one of them! All of the facts were there and were presented in a way that kept my attention. I would reccomend this book to the music student looking to brush up on composers, to the people who want to know a little more about what opera is, and to the person who wants something interesting to say at a cocktail party. Anyone can learn something from this book with or without music knowledge. I didn't think a book could be written about opera that is both true to the subject AND funny. Well done Mr. Barber!

I loved this book. It's funny and cute! I did never know Wagner loved pink silk underwears... It's the best book to read if you are not an opera lover, and have to get the information...

I bought this book after I had been in "Carmen". Mr. Barber brings out a funny story in operas that are meant to be sad, romantic, and makes the comical ones even more laughable. I reccommend this book to all lovers of opera