
Opera | History & Facts | Britannica
6 days ago · 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 …
Opera - French, English, Baroque | Britannica
Nov 10, 2025 · Although Heinrich Schütz composed a setting of Dafne (now lost), the first known opera with a German text, and heard it played at Torgau in 1627, the active history of opera in Germany …
Vienna State Opera | History & Facts | Britannica
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 …
Paris Opéra | Ballet, Repertoire & Productions | Britannica
Paris Opéra, opera company in Paris that for more than two centuries was the chief performer of serious operas and musical dramas in the French language. It is one of the most venerable operatic …
Metropolitan Opera | History, Performance, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 12, 2025 · Metropolitan Opera, in New York City, leading U.S. opera company, distinguished for the outstanding singers it has attracted since opening in 1883. Since 1966 it has been based in Lincoln …
Sydney Opera House Facts | Britannica
Dec 4, 2025 · It was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the winner of an international competition sponsored by the New South Wales government for the complex's design. The Opera House, which …
Opera - French, 19th Century, Melodrama | Britannica
Nov 10, 2025 · Opera - French, 19th Century, Melodrama: The history of French opera from the time of Hector Berlioz includes many talented composers and stage-worthy works, although relatively few …
opera summary | Britannica
The earliest public (rather than court) opera theatres opened in Venice in 1637; competition stimulated greater musical variety, more complicated plots, and elaborate arias (solo songs).
Western music - Opera, Libretto, Arias | Britannica
Western music - Opera, Libretto, Arias: The opera remained a flourishing medium throughout the 19th century, and Italian opera continued as the dominant type during the first half of the century in the …
Sydney Opera House | History, Location, Architect, Design, Uses ...
Dec 4, 2025 · Sydney Opera House, opera house located on Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), New South Wales, Australia. Its unique use of a series of gleaming white sail-shaped shells as its roof …