Music-An A To Z Guide is written by Nicola Barber, published by Franklin Watts, A Division of Scholastic Inc.

Music is popular over the world, and has been enjoyed since the beginning of time. This book gives us a comprehensive overview of the world of music in its various forms today. It introduces 63 special terms about music, such as folk music, musicals and rhythm. The terms are arranged alphabetically (which means from A–Z). This alphabetical arrangement can help us to understand the information more systematically. I think it is one of the good points of this book.

Among all the topics, I like opera and musicals the most. Opera is one of the most passionate of musical art forms. Stories of love and tragedy are told like a play, but the characters sing, rather than speak their words, with the accompaniment of an orchestra. Opera began in Italy in the early 1660s. Famous opera tunes include “The Magic Flute”, “Let’s Make an Opera” etc.

Musicals and opera are quite similar. They developed later than opera. Musicals developed in the United States out of operetta at the 20th century. They blend popular song and spoken words with spectacular dance routines. Hit musicals include “Cats”, “West Side Story” and “The Lion King” etc.

As I have mentioned before, this book is very comprehensive. So, I can choose the topics that I like to read. After reading them, I have learnt many things that are new for me. Also, a lot of colourful photos and illustrations are included in this book. Therefore, I think it is worth to read this book.

If you are interested in this book, you can borrow it from the school library.
This is the end of my sharing. Thank you.