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
Featured now
All posts
Carmen: French–English Side-by-Side Libretto
Revised Edition
Tannhäuser: German–English Side-by-Side Libretto
New paperback and updated Side-by-side online translation libretto
Composers
All
Today in Opera History — May 21
All1739
Rameau's opéra-ballet "Les fêtes d'Hébé" was first performed at the Académie Royale de Musique in Paris.
1804
Birth of Mikhail Glinka, Russian composer considered the father of Russian classical music and known for operas such as 'A Life for the Tsar' and 'Ruslan and Lyudmila'.
1878
Joseph Parry's "Blodwen", often regarded as the first Welsh-language opera, was first performed in Aberystwyth.
1892
Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci" received its world premiere at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan, conducted by Arturo Toscanini.
1892
Premiere of Jules Massenet's opera 'Werther' at the Vienna Hofoper (now the Vienna State Opera).
The Daily Opera Chronicle
Selected premieres and milestones from the world of opera — published daily.
The complete archive remains here on the website.