Second edition
Joyce Bourne
Over 2,500 entries
‘ a reference book for operaphiles … the answer to a prayer for those who attend operas without doing their homework properly’ – Sir George Christie
A unique and authoritative A-Z reference work that will answer all your questions on who's who in opera. Contains over 2,500 lively entries on operatic characters, with information on the creator of the role and notable performances. From Aeneas to Zaida, A Dictionary of Opera Characters provides extensive coverage of all the characters in operas from around the world and gives synopses for over 200 operas and operettas. It includes feature articles written by well-known personalities from the world of opera, such as Placido Domingo and Dame Janet Baker, plus, new to this edition, articles contributed by Christine Brewer and Joyce DiDonato.
Recommended opera-related web links are listed for relevant and up-to-date extra information. This book is an invaluable source of reference for professionals and amateurs alike, and a fascinating read for anyone curious about opera.
Joyce Bourne practised for almost 30 years as an anaesthetist and general practitioner until her retirement in 1990. She has a lifelong interest in and love of music and co-authored with her husband the The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music.
Print edition ISBN: 9780199548194; 0199548196
Publishing history: First published 1998; first issued, with corrections, as an Oxford University Press paperback 1999; this edition 2008
Copyright: © Oxford University Press 1998, 2003, 2008
