This guide will direct you towards resources to watch and listen to, conduct research, study, and perform opera and operetta. It includes sources in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library at the University of Maryland, as well as digital streaming services, academic publications, and historical documentation of the genre.
Opera, operetta, and their attendant materials are largely located in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library.
Library of Congress Classification Opera Call Numbers
M1500: Opera (full scores)
M1503: Operas (vocal scores with piano reduction)
M1505: Operas (song selections, full scores)
M1506-1507: Operas (song selections, arranged)
M1508: Operettas, Musicals, and Musical Revuews
M1509: Operatic scenes
M48: Librettos (Collections, 2 or more composers or authors)
M49: Librettos (Collections, 1 composer or author)
M50: Librettos (Separate Works)
ML1700: Opera (books about opera)
ML1702-1706: Books about secular vocal music by time period
These represent some of the Library of Congress subject headings related to opera, operetta, their study, and performance. They can be used to search to browse library materials with that subjects. You can further refine your search in the catalog (by date, format, genre, language, etc.).
Opera--Production and direction
Opera--Stage-setting and scenery
Operas--Analysis, appreciation
Operas--Vocal scores with piano
