A Dictionary of Opera Characters

• A unique reference guide containing A-Z entries on more than 2,500 operatic characters, with information on the creator of the role and notable performances
• Synopses of over 200 operas and operettas
• Feature articles written by well-known personalities from the world of opera, such as Plácido Domingo, Dame Janet Baker, and Joyce DiDonato
• List of useful and up-to-date opera-related web links
• Appendix of contemporary opera of the last ten years with detailed synopses followed by world première cast lists

New to this edition

• Revised and fully updated text
• Appendix of contemporary opera of the last ten years with detailed synopses followed by world première cast lists
• Feature articles written by Christine Brewer, Susan Bullock, Joyce DiDonato, and Simon Keenlyside
• Recommended opera-related web links

Readership: An essential book for opera lovers, whether professionals, amateurs or spectators. Ideal for anyone who enjoys, studies, or works in opera and its related fields; especially useful for music students.

Review(s) from previous edition

"a generally scrupulous and scholarly book - Opera

"Joyce Bourne has rightly identified a gap in the operaphile's library" - BBC Music Magazine

"a reference book for operaphiles...the answer to a prayer for those who attend operas without doing their homework properly" - Sir George Christie

List of Contributors' Articles
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition
Abbreviations
A Dictionary of Opera Characters
Appendix 1: Biographies of Contributors
Appendix 2: Composers and Operas
Appendix 3: Some Operas of the Past Ten Years (1998-2008)
Appendix 4: Opera Web Links