Opera definitions and example sentences on Wordnik

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noun A theatrical presentation in which a dramatic performance is set to music.
noun The score of such a work.
noun A theater designed primarily for operas.

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A form of extended dramatic composition in which music is an essential and predominant factor; a musical drama, or a drama in music. The opera is one of the chief forms of musical art; on many grounds it is claimed to be the culminating musical form. At least it affords opportunity for the application of nearly every known resource of musical effect. Its historical beginning was doubtless in the musical declamation of the Greeks, especially in connection with their dramatic representations. The idea of a musical drama was perpetuated during the middle ages under the humble guise of mysteries or miracle-plays, in which singing was an accessory. The modern development began in Italy near the close of the sixteenth century, when an attempt was made to revive the ancient melodic declamation, an attempt which led directly to the discovery and establishment of monody and harmony in the place of the medieval counterpoint, of the recitative and the aria as definite methods of composition, and of instrumentation as an independent element in musical works. The modern opera involves the following distinct musical constituents, combined in various ways: recitatives, musical declamations, mainly epic or dramatic in character, with or without extended accompaniment; arias, duets, or trios, melodies for one, two, or three voices, constructed in a more or less strict musical form, predominantly lyrical in character, and usually with carefully elaborated accompaniments; choruses and concerted numbers of various form, in which the dramatic element generally predominates, and which are often wrought into noteworthy climaxes of great musical and dramatic interest; instrumental elements, including both accompaniments and independent passages, the former varying from the merest harmonic groundwork for declamation to a detailed instrumental commentary upon the dramatic emotions and situations as they succeed each other, and the latter including overtures, intermezzi, marches, dances, etc., which either introduce, connect, supply, or embellish the links in the chain of dramatic incident. To these may be added dancing, or the ballet, which is introduced either as an incidental diversion or as a component part of the dramatic action itself. In the older operas the successive numbers or movements are sharply separated from each other, while in recent ones the action is continuous except at one or two principal points. In Italy the opera has had an unbroken course of development since before 1600. It began to be diligently cultivated in France and Germany about 1650, and in England somewhat later. Every leading modern composer, except Mendelssohn, has contributed more or less to its literature. Italian operas have tended toward a lyrical extreme. to the neglect of dramatic consistency and truth, while German operas have strongly emphasized the romantic and strictly dramatic elements. French operas have often sought much for comic or spectacular effects. The Wagnerian theory of the opera presents some peculiarities, especially in the obliteration of the distinction between the recitative and the formal aria, in the remarkable elaboration of the orchestral effects, and in the unification of the poetic, musical, dramatic, and scenic elements, though these characteristics were foreshadowed in the works and theories of earlier masters. The maintenance of expensive opera-houses, with regular seasons of performances annually, is a matter of governmental appropriation in most European countries. The opera has therefore become a powerful factor in the social and artistic life of many cities. Operas are often described by such qualifying terms as grand or serious, dramatic, comic, etc. Grand operas have an elaborate plot, and the entire work is set to music; while comic operas frequently contain spoken dialogue. In common speech, German opera means opera in German; Italian opera, opera in Italian, etc. A balladopera is a light dramatic work into which ballads or popular songs are arbitrarily introduced. An Opera is a poetical tale or fiction, represented by vocal and instrumental musick, adorned with scenes, machines, and dancing. Dryden, Albion and Albanius. Pref. She went from opera, park, assembly, play. Pope, To Miss Blount, on her Leaving the Town, l. 13.
The score or words of a musical drama, either printed or in manuscript; a libretto.
A theater where operas are performed; an opera-house.

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And the opera is about what we can share, what we can pass on to others. — Tod Machover and Dan Ellsey play new music
This opera was the first work that Handel had undertaken after his return to London, but its composition was interrupted by that of the Funeral Anthem for the Queen. — Handel
I intended to say some things about certain owls, amongst other grievances I am pestered with in this republic; but shall cut them all short, and wish you good-night; for the opera is already begun, and I would not miss the first glorious recitative for the empire of Trebizond LETTER XV LIVOURNO, October 2 nd. — Dreams, Waking Thoughts, and Incidents
Mme. Malibran's energy soon found a vent in English opera, and she made herself as popular on the vernacular as she had on the Italian stage. — Great Singers, Second Series Malibran To Titiens
The librettist used the same subject which M. Scribe had adopted for Auber's opera, "Gustavus III.," and the opera was at first called by the same name,--"Gustavo III." — The Standard Operas (12th edition) Their Plots, Their Music, and Their Composers

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opera

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