

Since then, some very notable singers have left their marks on opera history. Professional opera singers began to emerge during the mid-1600’s as a result of popular interest in the art. Around the same time, opera was embraced in England, where ballad operas were most popular, and in Russia, where the operas were largely written in Italian. As time passed, however, Italian influences were reflected in French opera as well. France also adopted this art and gave it a distinctly French style in its earlier stages, rather than borrowing from Italian opera. It was introduced to Germany in 1627 and most early composers chose to maintain the traditional Italian language in the performances. While these changes were occurring in Italy, opera had already spread into other European countries. This genre is characterized by complex libretto lines and beautiful singing and pitch control. In the early 19th Century, bel canto opera became popular. His compositions are known as reform opera and highlight simplicity. By the mid-1700’s, some composers were calling for a simpler style of opera, a challenge undertaken by Christoph Gluck. This seriousness gave way to a comedic genre with opera buffa. Opera seria, a serious style, emerged as the most common genre until the end of the 1700’s. Opera spread throughout Europe over the next century, becoming a popular theater attraction.Īs opera grew more popular over the years, its composers began to develop different genres.

This first opera, entitled “ Dafne”, was created with the hope of reviving classical Greek drama as part of the broader Renaissance movement. The first recorded use of the term “opera” was in 1639 although the first opera composition was written in 1597. The origins of opera can be traced back to 16th Century Italy. These performances are generally accompanied by an orchestra and held in an opera house. The chorus is used to narrate the actions on stage.

Throughout the opera, performers also sing duets and trios. Men sing in either tenor, baritone, or bass. Women’s voice pitches include soprano, mezzo-soprano, and contralto.

Recitative singing is meant to imitate spoken word, while arias are meant to sound more similar to traditional, melodic singing. This art form incorporates 2 types of singing, recitative and arias. The libretto may be an original work or based on a famous play or novel. It is based on a libretto, which serves as the script of the opera. Opera is a mix of music, singing, drama, costumes, and poetry combined into a coordinated theatrical performance.
