This landmark series collects compelling, useful, singer-friendly excerpts from the best of a distinctly American musical tradition. Plot notes and basic information about each opera are included. Opera composers such as Samuel Barber, William Bolcom, Douglas Moore, Virgil Thomson and Kurt Weill are represented. The operas of Gian Carlo Menotti are particularly present, with 26 arias from nine operas in the series.

Contents: AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS: This is my box • AMISTAD: The moonlight died • ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA: The breaking of so great a thing • DOWN IN THE VALLEY: And where is the one who will mourn me • FLORENCIA EN EL AMAZONAS: Del destino • THE GHOSTS OF VERSAILLES: Aria of the Worm • THE GOOD SOLDIER SCHWEIK: I never felt so good before, Who will go to the war when it comes • GOYA: Ah, do not laugh, Oh, yes, I love her, Out of my dreams • THE GREAT GATSBY: Everyone was here but the one who matters, Had no choice, had to invent myself • THE HERO: Immoral? Can sleep be immoral? • LA HIJA DE RAPPACCINI: Giovanni’s Aria • JOHN BROWN: Believe in love • LOST IN THE STARS: The Wild Justice • McTEAGUE: Gold can kill you • THE SAINT OF BLEECKER STREET: I know that you all hate me • THE SONG OF MAJNUN: Light of my soul • STREET SCENE: Lonely House • A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE: I’m not a boy • SWEENEY TODD: The Contest, Ladies in their sensitivities • TARTUFFE: No more, false heart • THE TEMPEST: Be not afeard • VANESSA: Outside this house, On the path to the lake • A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE: New York Lights • THE WINGS OF THE DOVE: In ancient times there was a god • WUTHERING HEIGHTS: Now art thou dear • X: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MALCOLM X: Shoot the shot