A Beginner's Guide to Opera : Companion to Channel 4's "Harry Enfield's Guide to Opera"

With Pavarotti in Hyde Park and Nessun Dorma reaching number one in the pop charts, the enormous success of the Three Tenors concert, Kiri Te Kanawa singing the Rugby World Cup song, and Aida packing in crowds at Earl's Court, opera has never been more popular in the UK.

No longer the exclusive preserve of the rich and pin-striped, a whole new generation is enjoying the discovery that opera has drama, romance and spectacle.

Designed as a companion to the Channel 4 series "Harry Enfield's Guide to Opera", this book is a user-friendly guide to the subject.

With lively illustrations, the stories of over 40 operas are described, rated for accessibility, the best arias are highlighted and recordings are recommended.

Also included is a brief history of opera, resumes of lives of the composers, and a guide to leading performers and conductors, as well as the length of each opera.