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- Dictionaryopera/ˈɒp(ə)rə/
noun
- 1. a dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers and instrumentalists: "it was the best performance of the opera he had ever heard"
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Opera is a key part of Western classical music, and Italian in particular, tradition. [3] Originally understood as an entirely sung piece, in contrast to a play with songs, opera has come to include numerous genres, including some that include spoken dialogue such as Singspiel and Opéra comique.
1. : a drama set to music and made up of vocal pieces with orchestral accompaniment and orchestral overtures (see overture entry 1 sense 2) and interludes (see interlude sense 2) specifically : grand opera. Beethoven composed only one opera. 2. : the score (see score entry 1 sense 6) of a musical drama.
Jun 18, 2024 · The English word opera is an abbreviation of the Italian phrase opera in musica (“work in music”). It denotes a theatrical work consisting of a dramatic text, or libretto (“booklet”), that has been set to music and staged with scenery, costumes, and movement.
a musical play in which most of the words are sung, or plays and music of this type: "Carmen" is my favourite opera. I've never been a huge fan of opera. He goes to the opera (= to see an opera) whenever he can. an opera singer. Compare. operetta. Fewer examples. I can only stand opera in small doses.
Opera definition: an extended dramatic composition, in which all parts are sung to instrumental accompaniment, that usually includes arias, choruses, and recitatives, and that sometimes includes ballet.. See examples of OPERA used in a sentence.
Opera is like a stage play (the drama part) with characters, costumes, setting, and a plot, but the characters are singing and there is accompaniment to the singing, either a full orchestra, or a band, or even just a solo piano.
The beginner's guide to opera. Whether you’re completely new to opera or just need a refresher, we’ve put together the ultimate beginner’s guide to opera. From what opera is and where it originated to the different voice types and how a performance is staged, keep reading for all-things opera.
