opera
what it is
Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work (called an opera) which combines a text (called a libretto) and a musical score. Opera is part of the Western classical music tradition. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery and costumes and sometimes includes dance.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make opera a playlist
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questions
What is opera?
Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work (called an opera) which combines a text (called a libretto) and a musical score. Opera is part of the Western classical music tradition. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery and costumes and sometimes includes dance.
What are good opera albums to start with?
Try Classics by Sarah Brightman, Einstein on the Beach by Philip Glass, The Essential Pavarotti by Luciano Pavarotti, and BEETHOVEN: Fidelio by Ludwig van Beethoven.
Who are some women making opera?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/opera/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making opera, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20