The Opera Lover’s Companion

Contains write-ups of 175 operas organized by composer. Very helpful and interesting. I heartily agree with the positive reviews.The author’s writing is delightful. Here’s a sample: “[‘Il Trovatore’] advances its preposterous plot with a brutal swiftness....” You hear the author’s voice in every line.One slight caveat: In the index, operas are listed only under their composers’ names. So, if you don’t know who composed a particular opera that you have heard of and are curious about, you are stuck. (Of course, the index is already 16 pages [of a 600+ page book]; maybe the editor didn’t want to make it any longer by using crossindexing.)

Enjoyable and well written. I would have given it five stars but it is a little limited in it's scope. Probably a necessity in an anthology type work but I would have liked to have seen a few more if the earlier works of Verdi, Rossini, and Mayerbeer. I would certainly recommend it for a new comer.

Comprehensive and well written. Excellent for me a novice opera fan.

My brother whom i got the book for Chrismas, is a huge opera buff. He said he would enjoy the book immensely.

Clear and consise.

It's an informative reference and reminder for the plots and context of the composers and their sources. It has made my cafe hour before an opera more enjoyable, as well as the opera itself.

I have fallen in love with opera as I see it at the movie theaters through Fathom Events. This adds to my experience so much.

İt is a good and comprehensive book for every opera lover

Having just been bitten by the opera bug - after attending The Barber of Seville in Venice - I wanted a handy volume so thatI can explore the basic story-line in advance of the performance. This lovely book fits the bill exactly - it is even handy to have as a coffee table book and already many conversations have centred around the book and the stories it tells.

A great and comprehensive reference. Will recommend to all opera lovers.

Oiven as s birthday gift which was much enjoyed

my wife received this book from me last xmas - she is delighted with it - just what she wanted - a succinct description of all our favourite operas - no flannel - an excellent companion indeed !

If you love Opera, this guide is a great reference book.