The Opera Companion, A Guide for the Casual Opera-Goer
(N.Y.:Amadeus Press, an imprint of Hal Leonard Corporation, Paper, 2008)
ISBN 978-1-57467-168-1

A classic reference book for opera lovers, whether devoted or casual, and the best introduction for beginners. The book explains the techniques of opera in chapters on the overture, melody, aria, and recitative, with a description of the human voice as both an artistic and mechanical instrument. It also includes a short history of opera, told chiefly in terms of the audience and its behavior, synopses of forty-seven of the most frequently performed operas and an amusing and informative operatic glossary.

"Amusing and instructive... quite unlike any other kind of opera book." Harold Rosenthal, former editor of Opera

“Skillfully fashioned... all very practical and sensible.” The Financial Times.

"Considerate sense and perception ... well expressed and instructive ... goes out of its way to make the ingredients of a performance clear and palatable." Times Literary Supplement.