10 best operas
Operas are a form of musical theater that combines music, singing, acting, and often elaborate staging and costume design to tell a dramatic story. They have a rich history and are an integral part of classical music and performing arts. Here are some key points about operas:
Origin: Opera as an art form originated in Italy during the late 16th century, with early works such as Jacopo Peri's "Dafne" and Claudio Monteverdi's "Orfeo." It quickly gained popularity across Europe.
Music: Operas are characterized by their use of sung dialogues and arias (solos), accompanied by orchestral music. Composers write music that reflects the emotions and actions of the characters on stage.
Libretto: The text of an opera is called the libretto, and it is typically written by a librettist. The libretto provides the storyline, character development, and lyrics for the vocal parts.
Genres: Operas cover a wide range of genres and themes, from tragedies and love stories to comedies and historical dramas. Some famous operas include "Carmen" by Georges Bizet, "The Magic Flute" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi.
Composers: Many renowned composers have contributed to the world of opera. Besides Mozart and Verdi, other notable composers include Richard Wagner, Giacomo Puccini, and Richard Strauss.
Singers: Opera requires highly skilled vocalists who can perform challenging arias and ensembles.There are different voice types, such as soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone, and bass, each suited to specific roles in operas.
Opera Houses: Opera is often performed in dedicated opera houses, which are known for their acoustics and ornate architecture. Famous opera houses include La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, and the Royal Opera House in London.
Language: Operas are typically performed in the language in which they were composed. Italian, French, German, and Russian are some of the most common languages for operas, but there are operas in many other languages as well.
Staging and Productions: Opera productions can be elaborate, featuring grand sets, costumes, and lighting effects. Directors and designers work together to create visually stunning and emotionally engaging productions.
Recordings: Opera performances are often recorded and released on CDs and vinyl records, allowing people to enjoy the music and performances in the comfort of their homes. These recordings can showcase the talent of renowned singers and orchestras.
Operas continue to be performed and celebrated worldwide, and they remain an important part of classical music and cultural heritage. Whether enjoyed live at an opera house or through recordings, operas offer a unique blend of music and storytelling that has captivated audiences for centuries.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best operas on the market
The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall
Universal Studios
Product description
In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, Cameron Mackintosh produced a unique, spectacular staging of the musical on a scale which had never been seen before. Inspired by the original staging by Hal Prince and Gillian Lynne, this lavish, fully-staged production set in the sumptuous Victorian splendour of London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall features a cast and orchestra of over 200, plus some very special guest appearances.
Product features
The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall
Let the spectacle astound you! In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, Cameron Mackintosh produced a unique, spectacular staging of the musical on a scale which had never been seen before. Inspired by the original staging by Hal Prince and Gillian Lynne, this lavish, fully-staged production set in the sumptuous Victorian splendor of London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall features a cast and orchestra of over 200, plus some very special guest appearances.
A History of Opera
W. W. Norton & Company
Puccini: Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera
Umvd Labels
Product description
Eva Marton, Diana Mitchell, Placido Domingo, Paul Plishka are featured with James Levine and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Ballet and Chorus in this interpretation of Puccini's late opera.
Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera
Great Operas And Their Stories: Act-By-Act Synopses
Anchor
The World's Greatest Opera Album
CD
Product description
VARIOUS ARTISTS - WORLD'S GREATEST OPERA ALBUM - 2 CD SET
This really is a remarkable collection, and anyone even remotely interested in opera is bound to be vastly entertained by it. Almost everything and everyone is here, albeit in small doses: Tebaldi, Pavarotti (a lot), Bjoerling, Bartoli, Sutherland, Solti, Karajan, Troyanos, Gheorghiu, Nucci; the composers are Puccini, Verdi, Bizet, and all the other usual suspects. There are plenty of fine compilation sets on the market, and this is one of the best. One can only hope that it whets listeners' appetites for whole operas. --Robert Levine
Verdi - Aida / Levine, Domingo, Millo, Metropolitan Opera
Product description
Opera conducted by James Levine and featuring the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and Orchestra anc Chorus. Stars Dimitri Kavrakos, Dolora Zajick, Aprile Millo, Placido Domingo and Sherill Milnes.
How to Listen to and Understand Opera
The Grove Book of Operas
Oxford University Press
Opera Gold: 100 Great Tracks
Decca
Product description
DELUXE 6-CD LIMITED-EDITION BOX SET
Decca, the opera company, presents a premium collection of the 100 most beautiful Opera tracks on 6 CDs. Enjoy classic arias and overtures, performed by the greatest opera stars of all time.
Highlights from: La Boheme, Carmen, Il trovatore, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Rigoletto, Le nozze di Figaro, Tosca, Die Meistersinger, Rusalka, Eugene Onegin, Cosi fan tutte, La traviata, Don Giovanni, Aida, Madama Butterfly and many more…
Artists include: Pavarotti, Bartoli, Fischer-Dieskau, Tebaldi, Calleja, Sutherland, Bergonzi, Ghiaurov, Freni, Nilsson, del Monaco, Domingo, Horne, Te Kanawa, Solti, von Karajan, Terfel, Price, Caballe, Kaufmann, Gheorghiu to name a few…
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