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. Additionally, attractive, performable arias are included from important works such as Regina, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Ghosts of Versailles, The Great Gatsby, and Little Women. Stephen Sondheim graciously agreed to make new aria editions of two pieces from Sweeney Todd ("The Contest" in the Tenor volume and "Epiphany" in the Baritone/Bass volume) for this series. A majority of the music in the four volumes has never before been available outside the vocal scores; a significant number of the arias were especially adapted for this edition. Some arias in the series have never been in print at all before now. Many arias are appropriate for college student singers.