Opera refers to a dramatic art form, originating in Italy, in which the emotional content or primary entertainment is conveyed to the audience as much through music, both vocal and instrumental, as it is through the lyrics. From the beginning of the form (about 1600), there has been contention whether the music is paramount, or the words, a theme that Richard Strauss took up in his final opera, Capriccio (1942). Also, dramatic speech in opera is often sung in recitative. By contrast, in musical theater, dialogue is spoken and an actor's dramatic performance is generally more important than in opera.

Comparable art forms from various parts of the world, many of them quite ancient in origin, exist and are also sometimes called "opera" by analogy, usually prefaced with an adjective indicating the region (for example Chinese opera). However, other than superficial similarities, these other art forms developed independently from and are completely unrelated to opera but are art forms in their own right, not derivatives of opera.

The drama is presented using the primary elements of theatre such as scenery, costumes, and acting. However, the words of the opera, or libretto, are customarily sung rather than spoken. The singers are accompanied by a musical ensemble ranging from a small instrumental ensemble to a full symphonic orchestra.

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..and I thought my voice had gone into the woods for real, but today's singing lesson (classical/opera) at music school proved I was wrong.
Emeranie (Liis Anton) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:03:16 -0000
..and I thought my voice had gone into the woods for real, but today's singing lesson (classical/opera) at music school proved I was wrong.
You can search Classical and Opera CDs by Performer at http://eCa.sh/QvvX
jwelchs (Jenna Welch) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:40:34 -0000
You can search Classical and Opera CDs by Performer at http://eCa.sh/QvvX
@GitGuy how long will you be staying in Sydney?Gonna do High tea at Opera House next Wednesday with tea&food and classical music?It's great!
Proverb_of_Hell (Jules Caruana) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:06:48 -0000
@GitGuy how long will you be staying in Sydney?Gonna do High tea at Opera House next Wednesday with tea&food and classical music?It's great!
@blueperky http://twitpic.com/ahn98 - Yeah, I'm a soprano, so I usually sing opera, classical, showtunes, and Evanescence for fun. I also le
DreadfulFaerie (Caramia Capone) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:33:59 -0000
@blueperky http://twitpic.com/ahn98 - Yeah, I'm a soprano, so I usually sing opera, classical, showtunes, and Evanescence for fun. I also le
Photo: Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins becomes the first classical music star to perform at G-A-Y, and... http://tumblr.com/xsw3uvsee
DeepDownKinky (Deep Down & Kinky) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:55:05 -0000
Photo: Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins becomes the first classical music star to perform at G-A-Y, and... http://tumblr.com/xsw3uvsee
The great Plácido Domingo, by far and away... RT @palmbeachopera: Who is your absolute favorite opera/classical singer? http://bit.ly/371YqU
gonzalolim (gonzalo) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:01:39 -0000
The great Plácido Domingo, by far and away... RT @palmbeachopera: Who is your absolute favorite opera/classical singer? http://bit.ly/371YqU

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