Presents a comprehensive guide to some of the most popular operas from the classic period to the present; and explores the careers of the great composers as well as descriptions of their operas.

Provides biographical sketches for nearly 850 composers along with articles on approximately 2,000 works.

A comprehensive study guide for Carl Maria on Weber's DER FREISCHUTZ, a Singspiel featuring Principal Characters,Brief Story Synopsis, Story Narrative with Music Highlight Examples, a new Libretto translation with German-English side-by-side, and Burton D. Fisher's insightful and in depth Commentary and Analysis.

Here is a consumer guide, an opera appreciation course, and a history of recording techniques and lore, all rolled into one and enlivened by the incomparable wit and verve of the author of Opera Anecdotes and Demented: The World of the Opera Diva. What is the best Rigoletto? The most complete Lohengrin? The most avoidable Carmen? Ethan Mordden's latest work is the perfect companion to steer the reader through the marvels of recorded opera.