A Book of Operas: Their Histories, Their Plots, and Their Music

Name: A Book of Operas: Their Histories, Their Plots, and Their Music
Author: Henry Edward Krehbiel

A compact companion to major operatic works that combines historical background, plot synopses, and musical commentary. It traces the origin and performance histories of individual operas, explains librettos and dramatic structure, and analyzes overtures, arias, ensembles, and orchestral writing. The text contrasts national styles and compositional approaches, notes important productions and singers, and discusses reception and staging practices—particularly in English-speaking contexts. Organized by individual works, each chapter pairs a clear narrative outline with critical observations about musical form, vocal demands, and the ways interpreters and audiences have shaped repertory traditions.

By Henry Edward Krehbiel

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About the Author

Henry Edward Krehbiel

Henry Edward Krehbiel was an American music critic and author, renowned for his insightful writings on opera and music appreciation. He contributed significantly to the understanding of the lyric drama, particularly through his works such as "A Book of Operas: Their Histories, Their Plots, and Their Music" and "Chapters of Opera," which provide historical and critical observations of opera in New York. Krehbiel's writings often aimed to educate untaught lovers of music, as seen in his guide "How to Listen to Music." His scholarship and critiques have left a lasting impact on the field of music literature, making him a notable figure in the study of opera.