A dictionary of opera characters

About this book

A guide to over 2,500 operatic characters, along with synopses of over 200 major works. From Arabella to Wozzeck and from Aeneas to Zaida, this book includes 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 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. In addition, the volume contains 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.