The orchestra tunes, the audience is seated, a hush falls over the house as the the conductor raises his baton, the curtain opens, and the performance begins in all its splendor. The opera, a magnificent feast for the eyes and ears. Jane Rosenberg brings her writing and illustrating talents, her passion and love of opera to this marvelous collection. Hear the intriguing stories of Aida, La Boheme, Die Fledermaus, The Magic Flute, Pagliacci, The Tales of Hoffman, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Carmen, The Barber of Seville, The Daughter of the Regiment, L'Enfant et les Sortileges, Hansel and Gretel, Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, The Love for Three Oranges, and Porgy and Bess. Each narrative is written in an easy to read and engaging style, and is full of history, mystery, drama, humor, and adventure. The scenes are painstakingly set, the action thrilling and well described, and the dialogue eloquent and easily understood. Ms Rosenberg's elegant and exquisite illustrations are rich in detail, capture the imagination, and send it soaring, and youngsters will visualize and appreciate the grandeur of the sets, scenery, and costumes. Together word and art bring each story to life in an original and fascinating way. Perfect for youngsters 10 and older, or as a read aloud for younger children, Sing Me A Story is a superb introduction to the magical world of opera that is sure to whet the appetite, and peak the interest of young and old alike.

This charming book tells the stories behind 15 operas. Classic and modern, familiar and lesser known. It covers all the bases, as does the Metropolitan Opera in NY with their seasons, which can include everything from Porgy and Bess to Turnadot. The book gives the stories behind Aida, Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Barber of Seville, La Boheme, Carmen, The Daughter of the Regiment, L'Enfant et les Sortileges, Die Fledermaus, Hansel and Gretel, The Love For Three Oranges, The Magic Flute, Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg, Pagliacci, Porgy and Bess, and The Tales of Hoffman. The synopses break the stories down, act by act, taking quotes-translated in English-from the songs to illustrate the stories more vividly. The illustrations also provide an incredible visual for the reader. I had these read to me, and when I was able to read when I was around two, read them myself, and got such a better understanding of operas. It was much more easier to follow the plots, and also makes for quite enjoyable leisure reading. I still read the book to this day, it's not dumbed down, it withstands the test of time in my library.

Bravo Joan Pons: l'univers del baríton a Nova York is the first book entirely dedicated to the great baritone from Menorca (Balearic Isles, Spain). The book discusses Pons's career at the Met since his debut there in 1983 until 2001. Based on lengthy, in-depth interviews with the singer, this book offers his candid opinions and insights into the roles he performs and reflects interviews with friends, family members, colleagues, musicians, and other singers. With great insight and judiciousness, Pons ponders his career, the singers he has met and collaborated with, and the great conductors and magnificent stage directors he has worked with. Also highlighted are Pons's personal life in the big city, his friends, the passions that move him, and his favorites places in the Big Apple.

Unquestionably, this will become the one required book to get to know the art of this outstanding Verdian baritone. To be sure, the book will be savored equally by those already familiar with the baritone's art as well as those who wish to learn about him.

Juan Pons is one of the most important dramatic baritones in the world. His vast repertoire comprises practically all the great baritone roles from Verdi, as well as Donizetti, Rossini, Leoncavallo, Giordano, Puccini, and Respighi. Over the years, Pons has consistently performed at the Metropolitan Opera of New York, La Scala of Milan, the Royal Opera House of London, the State Opera House of Vienna, the San Francisco Opera, the Opera House of Zurich, and many other theatres throughout the world.

Musicologist Antoni Pizà is the author The Tradition of Autobiography in Music (1994), El music Joan Aulí (1996), Francesc Guerau i el seu temps (2000), and Antoni Lliteres: Guia de recerca (2002).

Journalist and photographer Bartomeu Amengual has published a number of books on the Balearic Isles including Aeroguía del litoral de Mallorca (Planeta, 1997), Cuadernos de ruta. Baleares (Planeta, 1999), Guia aèria. Mallorca poble a poble (Editora Balear, 1997), and 100 playas de Mallorca (Editora Balear, 1999).

QUOTES FROM THE BOOK
"About Juan Pons I can only say superlative things. I believe that there are few people with his goodness and, at the same time, his great professional career. Juan Pons will remain one of the greatest baritones in the history of opera."
-Plácido Domingo

"Every time I have the opportunity to listen to [Juan Pons], I am amazed."
-Luciano Pavarotti

"Juan Pons? There is no one like him. He is unique and irreplaceable. He is the Verdian baritone of the moment!"
-Renata Scotto

"Juan Pons is the great Falstaff of the last few years."
-Riccardo Mutti

Very nice, I must say. I learn a lot from reading this book. The pictures are nice. It is a very good idea to buy this book. There are a list of his records, which is why I am on Amazon now, looking for some to add to my wish list.

Thank you Martin. Bless you!

Funnily enough, Ms. Lewis does have a daughter - Monica Lewinsky.
Other than camy appeal, this book has no merits whatsoever. Spend your money on some real opera recordings, you'll be glad you did.

Garbage. This is the worst kind of puff, trash piece. Much of this information is culled from other sources. Not worth the time or money. Anybody really interested in the Three Tenors can find better and more interesting information elsewhere.

Marcia Lewis is a really bad joke for an author. All the information is lifted out of previous material available. Nothing is new here. She tries to make money on gossip and even fails at that. The pictures are OK but I doubt if any of those are original to this book either. Something for the pop media only; not for opera lovers nor fans of these three artists. The best of these men is their performance on stage and hopefully, that brought some new people to opera that may not have tried it without the 3 Tenors. There is so much more to all three of these men than Lewis' book. Skip it and read their own bios.