Opera: Recommended Reading?

[huntsman]

Kobbe's Complete Opera Guide, and Ernst Newman's books on the Wagner operas. That should do the job.

Found a 1981 ed of Newman's book at our local thrift shop for U$2. Complete with dust jacket. Probably from a deceased estate, but hey (!) I won't be around forever either! 

[Xenophanes]

You might try Milton Cross, Complete Stories of the Great Operas. For many years, he was the announcer for the Metropolitan Opera's Saturday afternoon broadcasts of opera performances in the U.S.

"His distinctive voice conveyed the excitement of live performances "from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City" for generations of radio listeners. "

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_Cross

[val]

I suggest "Mille et un Operas" by Piotr Kaminski  (except his comments on Enescu's Oedipe !). It is a very intelligent book, with huge information.

Kerman's "Opera & Drama" is also essential.

The "Dictionnaire des oeuvres de l'Art Vocal" of Marc Honegger is not only about opera but it is one of the most complete works on vocal art (3 big volumes).

[jochanaan]

On a more buffo note:

Prima Donnas and Other Wild Beasts by Alan Wagner

My Favorite Intermissions by Victor Borge