About this book
Charles Annesley's The Standard Operaglass Detailed Plots of One Hundred and Fifty-one Celebrated Operas is an indispensable companion for anyone eager to unlock the drama and music behind the world’s great operas. This authoritative music guide collects concise, narrator-friendly synopses of 151 celebrated works, paired with critical and biographical remarks, historical context, and portraits—perfectly suited to the audiobook format.
Covering repertoire from Mozart, Rossini, and Weber to Verdi, Bizet, Puccini and the verismo school, Annesley surveys comic and tragic themes, vocal archetypes, and the social and musical forces that shaped each piece. The book’s early-20th-century perspective offers period insights into performance practice and reception while remaining a practical roadmap for modern listeners. Detailed plots let you follow librettos without spoilers, and the critical notes illuminate composers’ intentions and dramatic structures.
Ideal for opera lovers, students, concertgoers, music teachers, and performers, this audiobook turns every performance and recording into a richer experience. Listen to The Standard Operaglass when preparing for a night at the opera or exploring recordings—Annesley’s clear, expert summaries will deepen your appreciation and keep you confidently in step with the drama onstage.
