CROCE E DELIZIA is a handbook in which all technical aspects of Italian diction applied to opera singing are thoroughly analysed. It is addressed to Italian and non-native singers, as well as to those wanting to teach this subject and to all opera fans. It accurately explains the pronunciation of vowels, consonants - single and double and groups of consonants - diphthongs and triphthongs as well as phrasal doubling, thus relating to all technical requirements of an opera singer. Moreover, the author presents all the dynamics of the language of libretti, also on the basis of their historical development. This book gives a brief insight into the actual Opera environment students have to deal with when deciding to dedicate their profession to this art.