MUSI3340: Vocal Literature I: Opera Resources

Opera Resources

There are some amazing opera resources available to you, both through the Library, and online.  These range from libretti and opera synopses to works that set a historical context, provide stylistic interpretations, or even biographical information about the composer.

And, while all of this may be more than you need for a given performance, it might be just what you need to learn the intricate details of the opera!

1. Opera Synopses
   These overview works will provide a quick summary of the opera's plot, setting, and characters.
2. Libretti
   Often also including a synopsis, libretti contain the full text of a of an opera (without the music) and may have other useful features.
3. Dedicated Texts
   ​If an opera is impressive enough (Wagner's Ring Cycle, for instance), or has been hotly debated, it is likely that it will have one or more books dedicated to it, alone!
4. Scores
   Some opera scores (full or piano/vocal) provide an introduction that can be of use, and may also include additional information on performing or staging the opera.

Not all of these resources are created equal, though...  Some are only available in a foreign language, while others are little more than a paragraph.  So, it's important to do a thorough search to see what is available.

Finding Opera Resources

Locating opera resources is very similar to finding sheet music.  The major difference is that you will not limit to Musical Scores!

1. Begin with the Books & Media tab on our homepage.
2. Search for the song or opera that you want to know more about (for instance, Tannhäuser)
3. Review your results for:

• Full scores (M1500-)
• Librettos (M47-54.8)
• Books by or about the composer (ML385-429)
• Books about opera, in general (ML1700~)

Not finding what you're looking for?  Broaden your search to:  opera AND Wagner... or opera AND history...  It may be that we don't have a book dedicated to a specific opera, but perhaps we have one for that composer, the musical period, or even a broad history!

These are general recommendations for getting started, and you may find useful titles in other parts of the collection (for instance, literature on vocal music is in the range of ML1400-3275).

Some examples:

Biographical/Historical Resources

Depending on the composer, you may find many books about their lives and role in the history of music.  Some might cover their whole life, while others focus on a specific period, or even their life while they composed a landmark work.

Finding biographical/historical sources:

1. Search the Books & Media tab on our homepage, using the composer's last name (Mozart) or the name of the work (Don Giovanni).
   • Too many results? Add 'biography' or 'opera' to narrow your focus.
2. Search Oxford Music Online, which includes the invaluable Grove Music Online!

BEWARE of online sources not affiliated with a known organization (such as WPU, NPR, Library of Congress, etc.).  The information provided may not be entirely accurate or trustworthy.  

Some examples:

Diction

Some scores will provide detailed information on how to pronounce, emphasize, and interpret the words in an opera or vocal work.  

The Library subscribes to an online resource called IPA Source, as well as a number of books dedicated to proper diction in a number of different languages:

Some examples:

Performance Technique

As with diction, certain stylistic components of a particular opera or period may be available to assist with staging or performance.

Sometimes, these will be available in the full score, and sometimes you will need to look elsewhere.

Some examples: