The Opera Handbook

The Opera Handbook is a practical guide to the landscape of opera.

Divided into the major national schools, its basic framework is made up of 200 operas by composers ranging from Claudio Monteverdi to Harrison Birtwistle. Each opera entry points out new directions to take and connections to make, and includes essential information, plotline and critique, as well as suggestions for listening and reading.

Details are also provided on information sources, venues and festivals.

Full of enough insight for both the habitué and the newcomer, The Opera Handbook allows you to set up your own individual network of knowledge.