A night at the opera : an irreverent guide to the plots, the singers, the composers, the recordings

This slightly irreverent guide to opera summarizes the plots of 17 of the world's great operas, including Aida, La Boheme, and Carmen, and describes their characters, artists, and composers. Beyond the operas themselves, Sir Denis offers brief biographies of the great composers, conductors, and artists. There is a glossary of musical terms, as well as a list of all the elements that make an opera such a special musical and theatrical experience, from the proper place and style of the audience's applause (and boos) to the use of surtitles. All of the information and opinions are presented in a lively and amusing way. A Night at the Opera will entertain and inform, delight and (perhaps) infuriate, providing a subject for lively debate and ready reference for years to come.