What is opera? The Italian term opera actually means “the work”.
This reflects the underlying goal of the form, which emerged in
the 16th century: to unite all the arts within a single work.
During various periods in history, theatre, poetry, dance and
video have all been ingredients in this complete spectacle, in
addition to two key elements, singing and music. Operas were
first written in court circles in Italy, to celebrate the
wedding of Marie de' Medici with King Henri IV of France.
Although earlier works from around 1600 have survived, the first
true opera, Orfeo, was composed in 1607 by Claudio Monteverdi.
It is also considered to be the first operatic masterpiece. This
new form of vocal music presented songs and, more importantly, a
theatrical text, against a musical background. Opera developed
quickly and, in Italy, soon became closely associated with bel
canto, the art of singing, and the cult of the solo singer. In
France, where the leading opera composers were Lully and, later,
Rameau, ballet beca