Who's Afraid of Opera?: A Highly Opinionated, Informative, and Entertaining Guide to Appreciating Opera
on Goodreads (59)
What’s inside...
In 'Who's Afraid of Opera?: A Highly Opinionated, Informative, and Entertaining Guide to Appreciating Opera,' author Michael Walsh offers a lively and accessible introduction to opera for newcomers. The book covers opera's history, key composers, notable works, and essential elements like music, voice types, and staging. Walsh addresses common misconceptions and provides insights and tips for appreciating opera, making it a useful resource for both novices and seasoned aficionados.
Age
11-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about how operas are created?
If you could create your own opera, what story would you tell through it?
How do the different characters and their voices make you feel when you listen to opera?
Why do you think opera is an important form of art?
What surprised you the most about the history or details of opera mentioned in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Listen to a few famous opera pieces with your child before or after reading the book to enhance the connection.
Discuss the role of different characters in an opera, and ask your child to imagine what character they would like to be.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking what emotions they felt during different operas they hear, relating it back to the book’s insights.
Create a fun activity where you both try to write a short opera scene together, drawing inspiration from the book’s content.
Share your own experience or personal story related to opera, if any, making the reading experience more relatable and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation for the Arts
Explanation: The book introduces children to the world of opera, showcasing its richness and cultural significance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value diverse forms of artistic expression, which can enhance their creativity and broaden their cultural understanding.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: Through the author's opinions and discussions on various operas, children are encouraged to analyze and form their own views about music.
Real-World Application: This practice of critical thinking can be used in academic settings or when consuming any form of media, helping children to become discerning and thoughtful individuals.
Example Lesson: Historical Knowledge
Explanation: Opera often reflects the time in which it was written, providing historical insights.
Real-World Application: Understanding these historical contexts can help children connect with past events, enhancing their history lessons and understanding of world culture.
Example Lesson: Emotional Intelligence
Explanation: Opera is a powerful medium that expresses a wide range of human emotions, helping children understand and empathize with different emotional experiences.
Real-World Application: This can aid in their own emotional development, improving their ability to relate to others and manage their own emotions.