Would Opera Be Considered Classical Music?

Many people enjoy classical music, but don’t know much about it. They may be familiar with popular operas like The Barber of Seville or La Bohème, but would they consider opera to be classical music?

Introduction

Opera is a form of classical music that dates back hundreds of years. It is characterized by its use of dramatic and often emotional storytelling, as well as its use of musical instruments and voices. While opera has evolved over the years, it still retains many of the same elements that make it distinct from other forms of music. As a result, the question of whether or not opera should be considered classical music is a complex one.

There are a few different ways to answer this question. One approach is to examine the history of opera and see how it has changed over time. Another approach is to look at the elements that make up opera and compare them to other forms of music. Ultimately, whether or not opera should be considered classical music is a matter of opinion.

What is Opera?

To truly understand whether or not opera would be considered classical music, one must first understand what opera is. Opera is a form of theatre that combines singing and acting, and is usually set to a classical music score. It originated in Italy in the 16th century, and quickly spread throughout Europe. Opera is still performed today all over the world.

While opera does use classical music as its score, it is not always considered to be classical music itself. This is because opera sometimes includes elements that are not typically found in classical music, such as extensive use of stage effects and spoken dialogue. Additionally, operas are often much longer than traditional classical pieces. Because of this, some people would argue that opera is its own distinct genre, separate from classical music.

What is Classical Music?

Classical music is a genre of music that generally includes orchestral, instrumental, and vocal works composed in a formal structure. The word “classical” is often used to refer to music that has been created since the Baroque period (roughly 1600-1750), though some scholars would extend the term back to include medieval and Renaissance music.

The Relationship Between Opera and Classical Music

Opera is a form of classical music that arose in the late 1600s and early 1700s in Italy. It is orchestral music with singing, usually in an elaborate theatrical production. The word “opera” comes from the Italian word for “work,” meaning that an opera is a work of art. The first operas were short one-act pieces intended to be performed during the intermission of a longer play. Over time, they became full-length works with multiple acts and complex plotlines.

During the 1800s, opera reached its height of popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany and Italy. Many well-known composers, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giuseppe Verdi, and Richard Wagner, wrote operas. In the United States, George Washington did not attend any operas, but Thomas Jefferson was an avid fan and even attended performances in Paris.

Opera declined in popularity during the early 1900s but has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Modern operas are being written and performed all over the world. While some people consider opera to be classical music, others believe that it is its own distinct genre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, opera would not be considered classical music due to its style, form, and history. Although it shares some characteristics with classical music, it is ultimately its own genre with a unique identity.