The Standard Operaglass Detailed Plots of One Hundred and Fifty-one Celebrated Operas

by Charles Annesley

"The Standard-Operaglass" by Charles Annesley is a reference guide focused on opera, written in the early 20th century. The work contains detailed plots and critical remarks for one hundred and fifty-one famous operas, making it a valuable resource for opera enthusiasts and critics alike. Readers can expect insights into the composers, notable characters, and historical context behind these works, enhancing their overall appreciation of operatic art. At the start of the text, the author provides an overview of how the guide is structured, beginning with "Abu Hassan," a comic opera by Weber. The summary details the plot of the opera, describing the main character, Abu Hassan, who finds himself in financial trouble and concocts a scheme involving his wife to improve his situation. Following this, the opening continues with summaries of more operas, such as Meyerbeer’s "L'Africaine" and Verdi's "Aida," which are briefly outlined alongside their plots and notable elements, suggesting that the book aims to succinctly convey essential stories and themes from a vast repertoire of opera.