What is an Opera?

What is an Opera?

We have the Italians to thank for Opera. It's an Italian tradition that dates back to the 1600s. Viceroys and princes would create elaborate, very expensive sets and costumes; the townspeople would participate in these fantastic productions that would last a day. Very lavish, over the top production values. Incorporates a lot of different traditions than other musical forms, for instance: by and large operas are all sung through. There is also a different vocal technique used in opera singing than, say, in musical theater singing, different conventions, but there is a close link between musical theater and opera. Opera is also usually performed in an Opera House. Certain examples of opera include Tosca, Carmen, those are probably some of the most famous ones. Pavarotti has become sort of a popular cultural icon. That just goes to show how popular opera music is around the world