A Dictionary of Opera Characters (Oxford Paperback Reference)

A Dictionary of Opera Characters (Oxford Paperback Reference) Review

The Dictionary of Opera Characters is a marvelous guide to over 2,500 operatic characters, along with invaluable synopses of over 200 major works. From Arabella to Wozzeck and from Aeneas to Zaida, this book is a wealth of information on the main characters in the repertoire of both opera and operetta, ranging from brief identifications of minor characters to extensive multi-page essays on major figures. Each entry provides a full description of the role, indicates its vocal category, and discusses who first created the part and other notable performers. This new edition has been revised and fully updated, with a fascinating new appendix of contemporary operas of the last ten years, including detailed synopses and world premiere cast lists, plus a list of opera-related web links. Best of all, the volume boasts more than two dozen feature articles on major characters, written by well-known personalities who themselves constitute a who's who of opera. For instance, Placido Domingo discusses the character of Otello, perhaps his greatest role, and Janet Baker writes about Mary Stuart.