Is Opera Considered Classical Music?

We all know that opera is a form of classical music, but is it considered to be part of the “canon” of great works? Let’s take a look at what defines opera and see if it meets the criteria.

What is Opera?

Opera is a type of classical music that originated in Italy in the late 16th century. It is a combination of vocal and instrumental music. The word “opera” means “work” in Italian. Opera is usually sung in a foreign language, such as Italian or French.

A Brief History

Opera is a form of theatre in which music has a leading role and the parts are taken by singers. It is an old art form, originating in Italy in the late 16th century. The word opera means “work” in Italian. The first operas were written to be performed in private homes for small groups of people. Public opera houses only became common after 1600.

Opera quickly spread from Italy to other parts of Europe, particularly France and Germany. Italian opera continued to be very popular, especially in London and Vienna. By the early 18th century, however, French opera was the most fashionable type of opera throughout Europe. Many famous operas were written during this period, including those by Georg Frideric Handel and Johann Sebastian Bach.

In the 19th century, a new style of opera, called grand opera, became popular. This was a more spectacular type of opera, with large chorus numbers and elaborate stage sets and costumes. The most famous examples are Verdi’s Aida and Wagner’s Ring Cycle.

Later in the 19th century, a new style called verismo opera became popular in Italy. This was a more realistic style of opera, based on everyday life and often with tragic endings. The most famous examples are Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Tosca.

In recent years there has been a revival of interest in early music, particularly Baroque music (music from the period 1600-1750). Many operas from this period are now being performed again, such as those by Monteverdi and Purcell.

What is Classical Music?

Classical music is a genre of music that dates back to the medieval period. It is characterized by its complex structures and harmonies. Classical music is often divided into periods, with the earliest being the Medieval period, followed by the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.

A Brief History

Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western culture, including both liturgical (religious) and secular music. While a more precise term is also used to refer to the period from 1750 to 1820 (the Classical period), this article is about the broad span of time from before the 6th century AD to the present day, which includes the Classical period and various other periods. The central norms of this tradition became codified between 1550 and 1900, which is known as the common-practice period.

The Relationship Between Opera and Classical Music

Though often thought of as one and the same, opera and classical music are two distinct genres. Opera is a form of theatre in which music plays a vital role in furthering the plot, while classical music is a genre of music that is typically performed without theatrical elements. Despite their differences, the two genres are often considered to be linked due to their similar origins.

Similarities

Opera and classical music share many similarities. Both genres are based on Western art music traditions, and both typically involve musical storytelling with complex harmonies and melodies. Both opera and classical music can be enjoyed either live or recorded, and both genres have a wide range of styles and subgenres to choose from.

However, there are also some key differences between opera and classical music. Opera is a form of theatre, meaning that it not only includes music but also often incorporates acting, sets, costumes, and other visual elements. In contrast, classical music is typically performed without any of these accompaniments. Opera singers are trained in both singing and acting, whereas classical musicians focus solely on their instrument or singing technique. Finally, operas are usually much longer than most pieces of classical music, often lasting several hours.

Differences

Opera and classical music are both art forms that have been around for centuries. While they share some similarities, there are also some important differences.

Opera is a dramatic form of music that tells a story through song. It often includes characters that sing to each other, as well as a chorus that sings along with the action. Classical music, on the other hand, is not necessarily dramatic. It can be purely instrumental or it can tell a story, but it does not always have characters that sing to each other.

Opera is usually sung in a foreign language, while classical music can be sung in any language. This is because opera originated in Italy, where most operas were sung in Italian. Classical music, on the other hand, originated in Germany, so it was originally sung in German. However, over time, both opera and classical music have been performed in many different languages.

Another difference between opera and classical music is the size of the performing groups. Opera companies usually have a large number of singers and musicians, while most classical ensembles are smaller. This is because opera requires more voices to sing the complex melodies and harmonies typical of this genre.

Finally, opera tends to be more expensive to produce than classical music because it requires more performers and musical instruments.

Is Opera Considered Classical Music?

No, opera is not considered classical music. Opera is a genre of music that combines singing and acting. It is usually performed in an opera house by professional opera singers.

The Argument For

Opera is considered classical music because it developed during the Classical period of music history (roughly 1750 to 1820). It is also considered classical music because it is based on the traditions of Western art music, which includes both classical and non-classical genres.

The Argument Against

Opera is a vocal and orchestral genre that emerged in Italy during the Renaissance. It then spread throughout Europe and became extremely popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is considered one of the cornerstones of classical music. However, there is a growing movement that argues that opera is not classical music.

The primary argument against opera is that it is simply too theatrical. Opera is designed to be a dramatic spectacle, with lavish costumes, sets, and staging. This contrasts sharply with the more subdued atmosphere of most classical music concerts. In addition, opera often relies heavily on vocal histrionics and emotional outbursts, which can be off-putting to some listeners.

Another objection to opera is that it can be very difficult to understand if you don’t know the language it’s being sung in. While many operas are performed in their original languages (usually Italian or German), they are often subtitled in English. However, this can be problematic since following both the action on stage and the subtitles can be distracting. Additionally, some argue that translating an opera into another language can significantly change its meaning and intention.

Ultimately, whether or not you consider opera to be classical music is a matter of personal opinion. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue.

Conclusion

Opera is a form of classical music that originated in Italy in the early 1600s. It is a type of musical theatre that tells a story using music, singing, and acting. Although it is often associated with highbrow culture, opera has had a significant influence on popular music and culture over the centuries. Today, opera is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.