Recent American Opera: A Production Guide

Provides information on the music, libretto, and major roles of operas and music theater works by more that one hundred modern American composers, and includes selections from reviews of each work.

The chances of performance for any new opera are increased dramatically if vital production information is readily available. By introducing more than 200 works, Kornick has taken a significant step in assuring the variety of new American opera is not overlooked by producers, performers, and opera historians. Details include type of drama, plot, style of music, length, information regarding libretto, recording history, roles, score availability, and excerpts from reviews. A useful list of publishers is also included. As the focus is on recent opera, readers should consult Quaintance Eaton's Opera Production I and II ( LJ 9/1/61 and 1974) for works premiered before 1972. Recommended for all music libraries.
- William J. Waters, Pensacola Jr. Coll., Fla.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.