This landmark series, the first multi-volume aria anthology devoted entirely to the topic, 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: All that gold! • ASHOKA'S DREAM: So many years have passed • THE BALLAD OF BABY DOE: Augusta! How can you turn away? • THE CONSUL: Shall we ever see the end of all this!, Lullaby, The Empty-handed Traveler, Oh, those faces! • DOWN IN THE VALLEY: Oh, don't you see that lonesome dove • THE GHOSTS OF VERSAILLES: Samira's Aria • THE GREAT GATSBY: Five years ago I knew them both, Waiting • THE HERO: Look at all those things • JOHN BROWN: Blow ye the trumpet • LITTLE WOMEN: Couldn't I unbake the breads, Perfect as we are, Things change, Jo • LOST IN THE STARS: Trouble Man, Stay Well • MADAME MAO: Yes! I am she! • MARCO POLO: Such a moment • THE MEDIUM: Afraid, am I afraid? (Baba's Aria) • THE MIGHTY CASEY: Kiss Me Not Goodbye, A Prayer • THE MOTHER OF US ALL: Will they remember that it is true, I say never again, What is man, We cannot retrace our steps • REGINA: Away!... The Best Thing of All, Dry Bones, Addie's Blues, Waltz (Do you wish we had wed) • THE SAINT OF BLEECKER STREET: Ah, Michele, don't you know • TARTUFFE: Hold on a moment, dear • VANESSA: Must the winter come so soon? • THE WINGS OF THE DOVE: We've always known each other • WUTHERING HEIGHTS: I have dreamt, How I love them • X: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MALCOLM X: Come with me, child