A Treasury of Grand Opera

Large octavo. Publisher’s original green cloth, spine lettered in gilt. In the original illustrated dust jacket and matching illustrated slipcase (as shown). First edition (1946) of this substantial and influential American post-war anthology of grand opera. Edited by Henry W. Simon — then a leading New York music critic and later chairman of the Music Critics Circle of New York — this volume became a standard reference for opera enthusiasts and students. The work includes: Historical introductions and contextual essays Detailed plot summaries Vocal selections with piano reduction Musical excerpts in original keys Composer biographies and analytical commentary Operas represented include major works from the standard repertory (Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Mozart, etc.), presented in a format designed for informed amateurs, singers, and students. A fine example of mid-20th-century American music publishing, issued at a time when opera experienced renewed prominence in the United States following World War II. Condition: Book: Very good. Cloth clean and sound; binding firm. Interior clean with no markings observed Slipcase: Present; minor shelf wear consistent with age. A handsome and increasingly collectible post-war opera reference.…