Where can I learn more about Opera?

Answer 1

there are all kinds of books, ranging from comics ( no, I am not joking) to reference books that will put you to sleep.
The best thing to do is start listening to some of the all-time favorites:
Le Nozze di Figaro ( the marriage of Figaro) by Mozart
Die Zauberfloete ( the Magic Flute) also by Mozart
La Boheme by Puccini
La Traviata by Verdi
Aida by Verdi ( it was written at least 125 years before the musical of the same name, y'know)
These are just a few of the hundreds that are out there, waiting for you.
I'd need to know what sorts of things interest you in order to get more specific, so drop me a line, if you care to.
Look for a funny book: "When the Fat Lady sings. Opera as it ought to be taught" for some laughs as well as solid information as a starter.
Happy listening

Answer 2

Buy a CD. Get one with a libretto, because some budget price CDs only give you a summary. It's best that you have all the words. Start with something popular. I started out with Carmen, Madama Butterfly, La Traviata and Aida.
Then go out and buy a how-to book. There must be an Opera for Dummies. There's a New York Times guide to opera. It gives you a rundown of the most popular operas, complete with trivia and summary.
Eventually you'll find out what kind of opera you like, whether you go for verismo, opera comique, Wagnerian, etc.
Then go and watch an opera. Watch something you studied at home. There's nothing like going to the opera house prepared.
Have fun.

Answer 3

one of the things you can do(if you are not doing it already), is to tune in on the weekly live broadcast of the metropolitan opera on Saturday. Go online and check out how you can tune in if you don't live in or near NYC

Answer 4

If you would like to know abotu the history of Opera, I would look it up in wikipedia. Get books, listen to it.

Answer 5

www.pandora.com

Choose Puccini or Verdi as the artist.