Vocal Books

I was first introduced to this book by my voice instructor about six months ago. It contains valuable information about many of the most commonly performed arias in the soprano repertory. Each aria is translated both word for word and idiomatically. A summary of each opera is given as well as measure-by-measure suggested staging. Suggestions are also given for the cadenzas. This book has really made a difference in how I perform some of my arias. I highly recommend it.

this tells a lot about Britney and has some great stuff in it. the pictures are awsome and the setup is great.

I've never read anything by John Harris before, but after reading the superbly detailed and imaginatively researched BRITPOP!, I picture him as a kind of Theodore K. White of music journalism. He is careful to place the phenomenon inside a political and social context which included the passing of the Thatcher kingdom and the birth of "New Labor" as exemplified by the triumph of the young, music loving prime minister, Tony Blair. And paralleling also the rise of the Young British artists llike Damien Hirst and or Tracey Emin.

Against this changing backdrop of society and expectations, a new breed of British bands appeared all at once to world consciousness. Oasis, Blur, Pulp and more seemed poised to take over the world the way that the Beatles, Stones and Kinks has once dominated rock 30 years before. And yet within a few years, all this excitement had dried up, and the Gallagher Brothers were now seen only as a pair of drunken louts who slagged everyone they could, even their own wives and girlfriends. Harris is good at depicting not only the appropriation strategies of these bands but the way they knew how to play themselves in the media against their American or Australian counterparts for maximum effect, culminating in the episode where Jarvis Cocker showed up at a Michael Jackson TV taping to denounce the black R&B singer, or the way that Noel Gallagher assailed Kylie Minogue for being a "lesbian," or so he said.

The Koran says, "In our beginning are our ends," and this book Britpop! proves it over and over and over and over.

Well done, John Harris.

Filled with brilliant show tunes, this book is a must for any performer.

Bruce Springsteen "Talking" is a collection of memorable quotes from rock-and-roll veteran legend Bruce Springsteen. Black-and-white and a handful of color photographs illustrate this memorable assembly of keen insight, carefully considered discussions, and since exhortations straight from the heart. Covering everything from daily life to roles in American society to the turn of the millennium, these vignettes make for quick reading yet expose one to the depth of Springsteen's personal character, in a most thought-provoking and intriguing manner. "When Regan mentioned my name in New Jersey, I felt it was another manipulation, and I had to disassociate myself from the president's kind words." - Springsteen, 1984.

I was in the show of this at Theatre Arlington this summer and fell in love with it! I got the movie of it and found it enjoyable but not the same as the produvtion I was in. It has 5 scenes and 12 songs. 2 of them are solos and the rest are group songs. This is not the full show that was done on Broadway. It is the scrypt of the Jr. Adapted for kids in junior high and younger. Some congs are cut, some scenes are cut, and scenes are reversed and added. This is a very good show and it was a joy to be in!

Even though they were one of the greatest songwriting teams of the 1960's, there's never been a book written about Bacharach and David. "Burt Bacharach & Hal David: What the World Needs Now" is the first. It is full of strong archival material and includes Platts' interviews with Burt and Hal, plus many artists, including Dionne Warwick, Gene Pitney, and B.J. Thomas. The book is a detailed wealth of information of this songwriting team's body of work. A must read for Bacharach/David fans, musicians and music historians. The book tells the complete story of Bacharach and David's songwriting partnership, from the 1950s to their reunion in the 90s. The book includes color photos of record sleeves, a detailed discography, chart information and a comprehensive list of every song Bacharach and David wrote together. Robin Platts' style of writing is comfortable and concise. As a songwriter myself, I was inspired by this book.

A book that includes a bright text about Callas's personal life and about her roles, with pages and pages of big and beautiful pictures of the Diva in quality paper. A treasure for fans that love Callas, the legend and the woman. The most beautiful book wrote about Callas.

The best parts of this bio are the interviews with Callas: you get a feeling for her emotions about events as they unfolded in her life. This is especially true close to the end of her life where the grief from her failed relationship with Onassis is so evident in her voice. Generous samples of Callas's key performances are also woven into the bio. I had never heard Callas sing so these samples were welcome and helpful in understanding Callas. (Her antics on the stage and behind the curtain are how you get to know Callas best. Not to mention that the samples allow you to witness firsthand the fiery, brave voice that made her famous). Overall, this was a strong, unconventional bio on a tragic heroine of the stage. I enjoyed it in its entirety.

Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, music by Frederick Loewe. Songbook with sheetmusic for voice and piano. Includes guitar chords.From the Broadway musical "Camelot".

Selections include:
Camelot
The Simple Joys Of Maidenhood
I Loved You Once In Silence
How To Handle A Woman
The Lusty Month Of May
Follow Me
If Ever I Would Leave You

This songbook also includes photographs from the film inside the front and back covers and serves as well as lovely collector's booklet.