Catherine Atthill

A thorough encyclopedia of opera from the early days (1597) through to the 1970s. It's not perfect, but what could be? Some of the reviews are quite subjective, occasionally an opera either has no plot synopsis, no critique, or neither. Of course there are omissions and occasionally not enough information. But those are rare occasions. Overall, this is an incredibly comprehensive study of the genre, at the very least allowing a base for any opera-lover to branch out into works, composers, eras that they do not know.

Most operas only merit short entries, so modern readers will find more in such respected volumes as the Viking and Penguin Encyclopedias. Still, can't complain about this one. Good stuff.… (plus d'informations)