The History of Opera

From Noble Courts to Contemporary Stages

Baroque Opera

1600–1750

The Baroque era marks the birth of opera as an art form, blending music, drama, and spectacle for the courts of Europe. Early masterpieces by composers like Monteverdi and Handel established the genre’s foundations, emphasizing elaborate costumes, mythological themes, and virtuosic singing.
Baroque Opera Scene

Classical Opera

1750–1810

The Classical period refined opera’s musical structure, clarity, and dramatic realism. Mozart, with works like The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni, revolutionized character development, orchestration, and comic timing, shaping opera for centuries to come.
Wolfgang Mozart Classical Opera

Romantic Opera

1810–1900

The Romantic era exploded with passion, drama, and national styles. Verdi and Wagner, seen here, led movements in Italy and Germany, creating operas full of unforgettable melodies, grand emotions, and innovations in storytelling and staging that still dominate the world’s great opera houses.
Romantic Opera Scene

Twentieth Century Opera

1900–1980

In the 20th century, opera embraced modernism and new technologies, with composers like Puccini, Strauss, Britten, and Gershwin pushing boundaries of harmony, story, and spectacle. Diverse productions and contemporary themes drew new audiences and reflected rapid social change.
Twentieth Century Opera Scene

Twenty-First Century Opera

1980–Present

Today’s opera scene is more global and innovative than ever, featuring contemporary stories, multicultural influences, and new technologies in both composition and staging. Companies worldwide continue to expand opera’s boundaries while celebrating its rich heritage.
Contemporary Opera Scene from The Ghosts of Versailles