The New Penguin Opera Guide

Here is the fully revised and updated edition of the most comprehensive single-volume opera encyclopedia ever published in paperback. Through hundreds of meticulously researched articles, The New Penguin Opera Guidebrings to life nearly 2,000 operatic works by some 850 composers. From perennial favorites like Mozart and Wagner to contemporary composers like Adès and Reich, each article-written by a leading expert in the field-outlines the composer's operatic career and assesses his contribution to the genre. Every significant work has its own entry, with information about the libretto, duration, cast and orchestra, background, plot, and musical highlights. In addition to up-to-date bibliographic material on notable editions and publishers, selected recordings are featured to guide readers toward the best available versions.