The New Kobbe's Opera Book

by The Earl of Harewood (Editor), Antony Peattie (Editor)

Summarizes the plots of operas ranging from the 17th to the 20th century and includes composers such as Mozart, Wagner, Rossini, and Benjamin Britten

Genres: Music, Reference

1012 pages, Hardcover

First published November 24, 1997

Reviews

[Caroline]

I was recently given this book also by my aunt to reference when enjoying my late grandfather’s favorite operas. I enjoyed how this book outlined the opera when explaining the different acts and scenes. It also started with a list of the characters and their musical groups so that you can refer back to the list as you read through. It also did a good job in more elaborately explaining the opera in preparation for watching and understanding the opera for the first time. I did not read the whole book but only what I wanted to reference for this sitting.

[Danielle]

Excellent synopses of hundreds of opera plots. Even goes into detail of some analysis, the opera's reception, and historical setting. A "must-own" for anyone seriously interested in this genre.

See also "The Definitive Kobbe's Opera Book" for more reviews of the same book but older version.