of European operas (and a few native works) more or less west of Chicago.
Puccini’s Fanciulla del Westis the topic of several papers. Among the many
intriguing accounts is Nadine Sine’s reception study for Salome,with quota-
tions from horrified critics. Index of names and places.- Davis, Ronald L. A History of Opera in the American West.Englewood Cliffs,
N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1965. 178p. ML1711 .D4.
The title conceals the actual coverage, which includes Chicago and New
Orleans as well as states from Texas to California. A documented story of
stage activity in all major cities and the important smaller centers like Central
City and Santa Fe. Well illustrated; name and title index but no bibliography. - Preston, Katherine K. Opera on the Road: Traveling Opera Troupes in the
U.S. 1825–60.Urbana: U. of Illinois Press, 1993. xvii, 479p. ISBN 0-252-
01974-1. ML1711.4 .P73.
An account of various Italian companies, Max Maretzek’s troupe, along with
Pyne & Harrison, and other English companies. Itineraries, illustrations, bac-
knotes, bibliography of about 600 entries, and expansive index of names,
titles, and places. - Drummond, Andrew H. American Opera Librettos.Metuchen, N.J.: Scare-
crow, 1972. 277p. ISBN 0-8108-0553-7. ML1711 .D8.
Examines 40 libretti of works that were performed at the New York City
Opera, 1948–1971. Includes a good bibliography of about 300 items and an
NYCO chronology. Name and title index. - Kornick, Rebecca Hodell. Recent American Opera: A Production Guide.New
York: Columbia U.P., 1991. xvii, 352p. ISBN 0-231-06920-0. MT955 .K82.
A useful list of 213 works—including some operettas and musicals—mostly
written since 1972. Information given: synopsis, roles and their vocal ranges,
instrumental and choral requirements, and other production matters. Critical
reviews are quoted. Indexes of titles, publishers, durations. No overlap with
Eaton (#284).
Theaters and Companies
- Zietz, Karyl Lynn. Opera Companies and Houses of the United States: A
Comprehensive, Illustrated Reference.Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 1995. xv,
335p. ISBN 0-89950-955-X. ML13 .Z54.
A valuable handbook of information on 92 opera companies in 41 states, giv-
ing their history, repertoire, premieres, staff, and publications. Opera houses
are illustrated. Bibliography of about 150 items, index of names, titles, and
institutions. - Zietz, Karyl Lynn. The National Trust Guide to Great Opera Houses in Amer-
ica.New York: Wiley, 1996. xi, 228p. ISBN 0-4711-4421-5. NA6830 .Z54.
A summary of opera house construction, 1766–1865, by region and a review
of restoration activity. Houses no longer extant are listed. Construction details
and dimensions, black-and-white photos. Bibliography, index.
United States 511