Frequently Asked Questions

How do you decide what counts as an opera?

Arbitrarily. Since the distinctions between opera, operetta, and American musical theater are sometimes indistinct, I use my own judgement. Often, where a composer has written at least one work I consider an opera, I'll include his or her other stage works as well. Ballad operas are outside the scope of this site and are not included.

What makes a composer American?

I use the standard proposed by John Taker Howard, in his introduction to Our American Music:

Try this definition: a composer is an American if, by birth or choice of permanent residence, he becomes identified with American life and institutions before his talents have had their greatest outlet; and through his assosiationsand sympathies he makes a genuine contribution to our cultural development.

The final decision is mine, and you are free to disagree. If you want to know whether I don't know about a composer or have intentionally not included him or her, please check the Other Composers page.

Why is the site limited to 1845-1995?

1845 marked the premiere of William Henry Fry's Leonora, which has often been considered the first true American opera. Because I don't have the expertise or interest to catalog ballad operas or other pre-1845 musical theatre forms, I've chosen to respect this somewhat arbitrary beginning. I've chosen to end in 1995 so that I don't have to constantly update, and can focus on filling in the 20th century works that are the primary focus of this site. Happily, American opera is now healthy enough that such updates would be burdensome.

What American operas can I get on CD? On video?

Where I know of a recording or video, I'll list it on the composers' page, the opera's page (if any), and in my list of sources. Check out the sources page for a list of a lot of recordings. Click on the recording or the "buy" icon to see more details or buy it at Amazon.com.

I'd like to perform one of the operas you list. Where can I find a score?

If I used a score in preparing the information on an opera, that score will be listed in my list of sources. Contact that publisher directly to find out about rentals. Otherwise, try the big music publishing houses, such as G. Schirmer or Boosey & Hawkes.

Why isn't (composer) included on your site?

Before you email me, check my list of composers not included in this project and read my introductory essay about the scope of the project. If you still don't know, it may be because I haven't gotten around to it yet. See the next question for how you can help.

I'm a composer. How can I get myself listed or correct my information?

Just email me, and I'll be glad to add your information or correct any errors. Any press kits, recordings, or libretti you can send will be extremely helpful, but mostly what I need are the titles, librettists, and premiere dates of your operas and other musical stage works. In general, the more information you can give me, the better. A short bio of yourself, including your training and non-operatic compositions, is also helpful. Please be aware that the site is updated in my spare time, and you may not be included or updated immediately.

What do you want for your birthday?

A recording of the May 20, 1948 WGBS radio broadcast of Harry Lawrence Freeman's Voodoo. Also a new production of F. S. Converse's The Immigrants.