The present volume, "The Standard Light Operas," has been prepared not
only with the hope that it may supply a popular want in these days when
the light opera is so much in vogue, but also with the purpose of
completing the series which the author has already compiled, including
the opera, oratorio, cantata, and symphony. It has been somewhat
difficult to select from the "embarrassment of riches" in the material
offered by the profusion of operettas, musical comedies, and legitimate
light operas which have been produced during the last few years, and
which are still turned out with almost bewildering rapidity. Still more
difficult is it to determine accurately those among them which are
standard. A few of the lighter works which are contained in the original
edition of the "Standard Operas" have been recast, as they properly
belong in a work of this kind, and as they may answer the needs of those
who have not the former volume. The opera comique and the opera bouffe
are also represented by the best of their class, those whose text is
clearly objectionable being omitted. The entire list of the
characteristic and delightful operettas by the late Sir Alexander
Sullivan is included, and some of the musical comedies which have a
strong hold upon popular admiration. The operas have not been analyzed
with that closeness of detail which characterizes the "Standard Operas,"
as they do not call for treatment of that kind, and in many cases the
leading numbers are only suggested. They are described rather than
criticised, and as they have been compiled solely for the use of the
general public they have been presented as untechnically as possible.
They are intended to heighten popular enjoyment rather than to supply
information for musicians, and as a _vade mecum_ for the opera-goer
rather than a reference for the musical student.