This work investigates the structural and musical composition of Ludwig van Beethoven's only opera, Fidelio. Gerald Sinstadt provides a technical examination of the score, analyzing the orchestration, vocal requirements, and thematic development throughout the work. The text serves as a guide for conductors, students, and enthusiasts seeking to understand the complexities of the opera's various revisions and final iteration.

Readers frequently note the technical clarity of the analysis, which aids in the study of the score's nuances. Experts highlight this as a practical resource for those performing or studying the operatic repertoire.