A marvelous guide to over 2,500 operatic characters, along with invaluable synopses of over 200 major works.  From Arabella to Wozzeck and from Aeneas to Zaida, this book is a wealth of information on the main characters in the repertoire of both opera and operetta, ranging from brief identifications of minor characters to extensive multi-page essays on major figures.  Each entry provides a full description of the role, indicates its vocal category, and discusses who first created the part and other notable performers.  This new edition has been revised and fully updated, with a fascinating new appendix of contemporary operas of the last ten years, including detailed synopses and world premiere cast lists, plus a list of opera-related web links.  Best of all, the volume boasts more than two dozen feature articles on major characters, written by well-known personalities who themselves constitute a who's who of opera.  Paperback, 432 p.