What is the Difference Between Classical Music and Opera
Contents
Though they are both types of music, classical music and opera have some key differences. Classical music is typically more formal and opera is known for being more theatrical. Keep reading to learn more about the key distinctions between these two musical genres.
Classical Music
Classical music is a genre of Western art music that emerged during the Middle Ages and continued through the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical eras.Opera is a form of theatre in which music has a leading role and the parts are taken by singers.
Defining features
The main difference between classical music and opera is that classical music is a genre of art music that is associated with a certain period, whereas opera is a dramatic, musical theatre performance. Classical music generally has a lighter, more innocent sound, while opera often has a more emotional, heavyweight sound. There are, of course, many other differences between the two genres.
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.
Notable composers
The three most notable composers of classical music are Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. They are considered the giants of the genre and their works are still studied and performed today. Other well-known composers include Frederic Chopin, Giuseppe Verdi, Antonio Vivaldi and George Frideric Handel.
Opera
Though both classical music and opera are based in Western culture and share many similarities, there are several key differences between the two. Classical music is typically rooted in symphonies and other orchestral pieces, while opera typically consists of musical theatre. Classical music is often more formulaic and objective, while opera is more subjective and dramatic. These are just a few of the key differences between classical music and opera.
Defining features
Though both forms of music have their origins in Europe, they developed along different lines. While classical music was intended for performance in concert halls and churches, opera was designed for the stage. Classical pieces are usually written for an orchestra, which consists of strings, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, while operas include both vocal and instrumental components.
Opera is defined as a dramatic work that is performed in an exchange of spoken dialogue and singing. In contrast, classical music is non-verbal and often does not tell a story. Instead, it is created to be enjoyed for its own sake. However, both opera and classical music can be emotional and moving experiences.
History
Opera is a French word meaning “work,” referring to the fact that an opera is a theatrical work combining music and drama. It first appeared in the Italian city ofFlorence in the early 1600s. Italian operas were very different from the French or German ones that would follow. They were often comic and included many short, unrelated sections called “arias” in which the characters expressed their emotions by singing.
During the 1700s, opera spread throughout Europe. In Germany, for example, Johann Sebastian Bach wrote religious operas called “passion settings” based on stories from the Bible. In Italy, however, opera continued to be an important part of daily life— people went to see operas as often as they went to church!
Notable composers
Most of the great operas were written during the Romantic period in the 1800s by German, French, and Italian composers. Here are some of the most famous:
Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901) was an Italian Romantic composer, best known for operas such as La traviata and Aida.
Richard Wagner (1813–83) was a German Romantic composer, famed for his epic operas such as The Flying Dutchman and Parsifal.
Georges Bizet (1838–75) was a French Romantic composer, best remembered for his opera Carmen.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–93) was a Russian Romantic composer who wrote such well-known operas as Eugene Onegin and The Queen of Spades.
Differences
Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western music, 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. Opera is a genre of Theatre that combines singing and acting, typically involving costumes, scenery and sometimes dance.
Structure
The biggest difference between classical music and opera is their structure. Opera is a dramatic, musical theatre form that is usually broken up into three sections: the prologue, the opera itself, and the epilogue. Classical music, on the other hand, doesn’t have a specific structure and can be divided into movements instead.
Subject matter
Classical music is a genre of art music that originated in Europe in the Medieval period. It is characterized by complex structures, many different musical elements, and a wide range of emotions. Opera, on the other hand, is a genre of musical theatre that originated in Italy in the 16th century. It tells a story through music and usually includes singing, acting, and dancing.
One main difference between classical music and opera is their subject matter. Classical music often features stories about love, loss, nature, and other universal themes. Opera, on the other hand, often tells stories about specific historical events or mythical tales.
Another difference between the two genres is their musical elements. Classical music tends to be more complex, with multiple layers of sound that build on each other. Opera tends to be more straightforward, with each element working together to tell the story.
Finally, classical music and opera differ in their emotional range. Classical music can be very peaceful or very exciting, while opera is usually more dramatic and intense.
Tone
Classical music and opera are both dramatic art forms that use music to tell a story. However, there are some key differences between the two genres.
One major difference is the tone of the music. Classical music is often seen as more serious and formal than opera, which can be more light-hearted and comedic. This is reflected in the way the two genres are written; classical music tends to be more complex and intricate, while opera tends to be more direct and simple.
Another difference is the structure of the musical pieces. Classical music is typically divided into movements, each with its own distinct mood and feel. Opera, on the other hand, is usually one continuous piece with different sections that flow into one another.
The singing style is also different between classical music and opera. In classical music, singers often use vibrato (a technique where they slightly shake their voice while singing) to add emotion to their performance. In opera, vibrato is generally not used, as it can interfere with the words being sung. Instead, Opera singers use more ornamentation and embellishment in their singing to express emotion.
