Whether the voice is lyric light or heavy, whether it can master coloratura, perhaps even has dramatic potential, singers with a lower voice and a special talent for the trouser role through to the heroine find everything they need for their performance. This is a repertoire anthology of opera arias from roles specific to the lyric mezzo-soprano, with special attention to the appropriate vocal criteria (range, tessitura, specifics, type of aria) and the practical aspects of musical and theatrical nature (style, era, role, type, national provenance.) Each aria includes background information on the composer and librettist, the work, the vocal range, alternate versions, and casting considerations; a short synopsis of the opera's plot; and a scene description from the singer's perspective. Additionally, there are pronunciation aids for each aria available as a download.