Opera (music)
Parent category: 'high culture'
Related: classical music - performance - theatre - music
See also: Phantom of the opera (1910)
Phantom of the opera (1910) - illustration by André Castaigne
Definition
Opera is an art form consisting of a dramatic stage performance set to music.
The drama is presented using the typical elements of theater such as scenery, costumes, and acting. However, the words of the opera, or libretto, are sung rather than spoken. The singers are accompanied by a musical ensemble ranging from a small instrumental ensemble to a full symphonic orchestra.
Opera draws from many other art forms. Whether the words or the music are paramount has been the subject of debate since the 17th century. The visual arts, such as painting, are employed to create the visual spectacle on the stage, which is considered an important part of the performance. Finally, dancing is often part of an opera performance. --http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera [Nov 2004]
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