opera
genresOH-per-ah
A dramatic art form combining singing, orchestral music, acting, and often dance.
Opera combines orchestral music, solo and ensemble singing, dramatic text (the libretto), acting, and often dance and visual spectacle into a single art form. Originating in late 16th-century Florence, it was an attempt to recreate ancient Greek theatre. The singer performs arias (solo songs expressing emotion), recitative (speech-like singing that advances the plot), and ensemble numbers (duets, trios, choruses).
Italian opera (Verdi, Puccini) emphasises vocal beauty, melodic richness, and emotional directness. German opera (Wagner, Strauss) prioritises orchestral depth, leitmotifs, and dramatic continuity. French opera values elegance and spectacle. The major voice types in opera — soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone, and bass — each have distinct roles and repertoire. Opera remains one of the most ambitious art forms, requiring singers who are simultaneously athletes, actors, and musicians.
The longest opera ever written is Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg by Wagner, which runs for over 4.5 hours without cuts. The shortest mainstream opera, Puccini's Gianni Schicchi, lasts about 50 minutes.