10 Recordings, Books and Guides Opera Fans Will Love

OPERA America, Ópera Latinoamérica, and Opera Europa teamed up to launch the first World Opera Day on Oct. 25, 2019, to raise awareness for opera’s positive societal impact. They chose that date to honor legendary composers Georges Bizet and Johann Strauss II, both born on that day.

As a 400-year-old theatrical art form, opera combines creative mediums like composing, singing, acting, storytelling, and orchestral performance. From tragedies to comedies, directors, singers, and composers use opera to entertain audiences and make strong social commentary.

Today, artists still perform legendary operas at opera houses worldwide. Famous works include: “Falstaff” by Giuseppe Verdi, “Tristan and Isolde” by Richard Wagner, “Don Giovanni” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, “Tosca” by Giacomo Puccini, and more.

Music is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers. Though sung in foreign languages, opera often evokes strong emotion — and can benefit its listeners.

Listening to classical music can improve sleep, reduce stress, stimulate the brain, and bolster the immune system.

To celebrate World Opera Day, check out these guides, books, recordings, and videos, which will help enhance and expand your appreciation for opera.

If you’re curious about opera but have never listened to it, “Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera,” is the ultimate explainer. Key topics include a brief history of the art form, an overview of operatic concepts, tips for attending and understanding your first opera, lists of recommended recordings, and so much more.

Critics and fans alike widely regard Giacomo Puccini as one of the greatest opera composers of all time. This three-disc DVD set, “The Puccini Opera Collection,” features three of his most popular works, “La Bohème,” “Tosca” and “Turandot.” Set at London’s world-famous Royal Opera House, the productions feature a roster of international opera stars.

Opera buffs, arts lovers, and those who want to learn more about opera, will enjoy this informative and engaging book “100 Great Operas and Their Stories: Act-By-Act Synopses.”

Author and opera expert Henry W. Simon offers a comprehensive look at 100 operatic works, from the early 17^th century to the modern era. Simon gives plot synopses, character discussions, important plot points, twists, more.

“The Phantom of the Opera” is one of the most famous works featuring the opera in pop culture. Though there are many adaptations of the original novel, this theatrical film version of “The Phantom of the Opera” 1929 DVD starring Lon Chaney is arguably the most engrossing.

The mysterious tale of ill-fated love and obsession inside the Paris Opera House is also one of the most famous horror films of all time.

Legendary French composer Georges Bizet died in 1875 before his final opera, “Carmen,” gained international acclaim. Bizet would never know opera singers would perform his tragic and controversial love story at opera houses across the globe over a century later.

This “Carmen” DVD is a recording of a Metropolitan Opera performance in New York. James Levine conducts the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Agnes Baltsa and Jose Carreras star in the lead roles as Carmen and Don Jose.

Opera fans, classical music lovers, history buffs, and more will enjoy this deep dive into why opera still compels listeners 400 years after its origin.

In this expansive guide, “A History of Opera,” co-authors Carolyn Abbate and Roger Parker examine opera in-depth, including its history, musical and dramatic conventions, and its role in society. Times Literary Supplement dubs the book, “The best single volume ever written on the subject, such is its range, authority, and readability.”

Explore the many legendary works of the German composer in this Audible Audiobook, “The Music of Richard Wagner.” Professor Robert Greenberg delivers 24 lectures that delve into multiple aspects of Wagner’s personal and professional life. Discussions of his art include “The Flying Dutchman,” “Tannhauser,” and “Tristan and Isolde.”

German composer Richard Wagner completed a massive creative undertaking across 26 years with his cycle of four epic music dramas. Experience his work with “Wagner: Der Ring Des Nibelungen”, a set of 14 audio CDs.

Historians also refer to the work as the “Ring Cycle.” All four parts play in sequence (as a four-day theater performance). The operatic saga unwinds after a dwarf named Alberich steals a magic Rhine gold ring.

Classic and modern operas have weaved political commentary into their stories for centuries. Author Mitchell Cohen examines how the development of opera and politics intertwine in his book, “The Politics of Opera: A History from Monteverdi to Mozart.”

Cohen’s discussion answers the questions, “What political backdrops have shaped opera? How has opera conveyed the political ideas of its times?” Opera, history, and political enthusiasts will enjoy this read.

If you’re a passionate opera fan, or an opera newbie looking to plunge into the art form, “50 Best Opera Classics” CD box set will provide just under four hours of listening enjoyment across three CDs. Tracks feature performances of works from legendary operas and composers like Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” Puccini’s “La Bohème,” Wagner’s “Tristan and Isolde,” and so many more.

Whether you’re a diehard opera lover or just dipping into the genre, these items will deliver hours of immersive education and enjoyment on World Opera Day.