Opera: The Basics by Denise Gallo (Senior Music Specialist at The Library of Congress and Adjunct Professor, Music History Division, The Catholic University of America) is an 207-page introductory reference for all performers, music, styles and performances of the generationally popular musical genre of opera. As a detailed and "user friendly" guide through the intricacies of opera, Opera: The Basics is divided into two easy-to-follow sections: Terms and Topics, and Genres, Styles and Scores. An ideal addition to academic and community library Music Studies collections, Opera: The Basics is very strongly recommended to all newcomers of the opera scene, as well as long term fans of the opera, as any reader is sure to take from this book.