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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Shen Yun Performing Art Show UCSF Discount - enjoy classical Chinese dancing and music at the War Memorial Opera... http://bit.ly/5JuQF9
ucsf_cls (Campus Life Services) Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:18:30 -0000
Shen Yun Performing Art Show UCSF Discount - enjoy classical Chinese dancing and music at the War Memorial Opera... http://bit.ly/5JuQF9
IZANAGITaRO - Hyakuoku no Hoshi, Senoku no Ai bringing elements of opera and classical together http://bit.ly/6349OS
HearJapan (HearJapan) Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:17:38 -0000
IZANAGITaRO - Hyakuoku no Hoshi, Senoku no Ai bringing elements of opera and classical together http://bit.ly/6349OS
@Dannymcfly Just sing like you're making fun of opera people and you usually do it right... works for me in classical voice lessons.
IamBirdie (Kristen-Maree Waters) Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:44:48 -0000
@Dannymcfly Just sing like you're making fun of opera people and you usually do it right... works for me in classical voice lessons.
Classical Music/Opera Listings - Schedule - NYTimes.com: EARLY MUSIC NEW YORK (Friday and Sunday) Male singers .. http://bit.ly/6ZIHK8
jamamusic (Jama Music) Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:29:17 -0000
Classical Music/Opera Listings - Schedule - NYTimes.com: EARLY MUSIC NEW YORK (Friday and Sunday) Male singers .. http://bit.ly/6ZIHK8
@babelalien Classical that I sing is opera and church music. Standards are pop songs, usually from the '50s and earlier. Often show tunes.
CiarOD (Ciarán) Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:44:32 -0000
@babelalien Classical that I sing is opera and church music. Standards are pop songs, usually from the '50s and earlier. Often show tunes.
@SomethingGirl haha, nice. Yeah, I'm in orchestral mode right now. Buying film scores and checking out some classical / opera.
sloanie (Mike Sloan) Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:27:34 -0000
@SomethingGirl haha, nice. Yeah, I'm in orchestral mode right now. Buying film scores and checking out some classical / opera.

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