Opera portrays pieces in their historical context and highlights key events in the history of music, as well as important performances and interpretations. The most important details including everything from the characters, sequences of scenes, and premieres through to examples of the sheet music for important themes and popular songs can be researched. Arranged alphabetically by composer, this volume is a clearly organised reference work for fans of both classical and modern opera, from Verdi to Handel, and from Mozart and Britten to Puccini. The appendix includes an index of names, subjects, and musical notation as well as a chronological overview of the premieres, making researching facts from the world of musical theatre child's play.