<DIV><DIV><DIV><DIV><P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Every opera lover enjoys a performance more when accompanied by a knowledgeable friend. In this indispensable guide, well-known opera critic Charles Osborne provides exactly that. Osborne fills in the details on 175 of the world's most frequently performed operas, including facts about the composer and the music, a plot outline, accounts of famous performers, and much more.<BR>"This book is exactly what the title claims: an opera lover's companion. Reading it is like going to the opera with a knowledgeable friend who tells you enough to make you want to see the piece but not so much you're drowned in superfluous detail."?Richard Fawkes, <I>Opera Now<BR></I>"What this invaluable book contains is the ideal rundown on 175 operas from Auber's <I>Fra Diavolo</I> to Zimmerman's <I>Die Soldaten</I>, in each case putting the work in context within the composer's development, with a list of characters, a short synopsis and pointers towards the most imortant arias, duets and ensembles, all in a personal congenial tone, like unto an operatically wise and loving uncle."?Denby Richards, <I>Musical Opinion<BR></I>?An erudite, instructive and unpretentious guide.”?Michael Kennedy, <I>The Sunday Telegraph<BR></I>"It's hard to imagine any other book on the subject more informative and helpful to the average enthusiast. . . . This book is one you'll cherish."?<I>Books in Canada</I></P></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV>