First published in 1996 to great critical and
popular acclaim, the Grove Book of Operas, is a
collection of synopses and descriptions of over 250
operas. Each succinct yet insightful entry is written by
a leading authority on the opera and includes a full
synopsis of the plot, a cast list, a note on the singers
in the original production, and information on the
origins of the work and its literary and social
background. Contributions conclude with a brief comment
on the particular work's place in operatic history. A
glossary offers brief and accessible definitions of
terms that may be unfamiliar to the reader. And indices
of role names and of arias and ensembles allow the
reader to find operas containing their favorite aria or
a well-known character.
The second edition
brings the book up to date with several recently
composed operas and a fascinating introductory essay by
David Levin on opera performance in the 21st century.
Recent additions to the operatic repertory included for
the first time in this edition include Nicholas Maw,
Sophie's Choice; Poul Ruders, A Handmaid's
Tale; John Adams, Death of Klinghoffer;
and Mark Adamo, Little Women.
Covering
all operas in the current repertory along with some
less-well-known early and very modern ones, this is an
ideal volume for the general opera lover.
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