Opera Libretti, Translations, and Opera History

Explore opera libretti, composer biographies, historical milestones, and professionally formatted side-by-side translations.

A curated guide to the world’s most important operas, composers, and libretto traditions.

Latest paperback in DM’s Opera Series
Tannhäuser: German–English Side-by-Side Opera Libretto
Tannhäuser: German–English Side-by-Side Opera Libretto
Wagner’s tale of love, desire, and redemption — now in a precise German–English side-by-side format.
Amazon $13.99

Today in Opera History — June 20

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1819
Birth of French operetta pioneer Jacques Offenbach in Cologne, composer of operettas like 'Orpheus in the Underworld' and the opera 'The Tales of Hoffmann'.
1885
Birth of American Wagnerian soprano Helen Traubel in St. Louis, later renowned at the Metropolitan Opera.
1940
Death of American coloratura soprano Emma Nevada in San Francisco, celebrated for her performances in Bellini's 'La sonnambula'.
2021
Death of American coloratura soprano Gianna Rolandi in Chicago, former principal soprano of New York City Opera.
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