Opera is an extended dramatic composition that is entirely sung to instrumental accompaniment. It usually includes arias, which are formal songs where characters express emotion, choruses involving multiple singers, and recitatives which are plot-driving passages sung in a non-melodic style. Operas differ from musicals in that musicals combine spoken dialogue with songs, while operas are completely sung. Opera singing involves techniques like bel canto, which uses heavy breath support and controlled vibrato.

1. opera

2. What defines
an opera?

3. an extended dramatic
composition, in which all
parts are sung to
instrumental
accompaniment,

4. that usually includes
arias, choruses, and
recitatives, and that
sometimes includes
ballet.

5. Compare comic opera, grand
opera. the form or branch of
musical and dramatic art
represented by such
compositions.

6. What are the
characteristics
of opera?

7. Traditional opera consists of two
modes of singing: recitative,
the plot-driving passages often
sung in a non-melodic style
characteristic of opera,

8. and aria (an "air" or formal
song) in which the
characters express their
emotions in a more
structured melodic style.

9. What is the difference
between opera and
musical?

10. The most significant difference is
that operas are generally entirely
sung, while musicals combine
various amounts of spoken
dialogue with song.

11. The influence of opera on the
musical should never be
underestimated, however.

12. What is opera
singing?

13. Operatic singing varies
largely within opera, but it
just means a style of
singing someone may sing
in an opera. ...

14. Bel Canto, or beautiful singing, is a
method of singing that's very
common in opera that involves
heavy breath support, controlled
vibrato, and adapting how you sing
to your passagio, timbre, and range.