Opera And Greek Drama

During the 16th century, opera and classical music blossomed in Europe, particularly in Italy. Monody, which was the prevailing practice, was a critical component in the formation of this musical genre. Following the principles of ancient Greek theater, 16th century Italian musicians attempted to enhance discourse through music. It is no coincidence that many features of this ancient Greek art have been absorbed by musical genres such as opera and oratorio.

The term opera is derived from the Latin word "opus," which meaning "labor." It denotes the use of a wide range of artistic forms under its umbrella, including dance, theater, music, and scenography. It blends music & theater because the actors communicate through singing. Although the terminology melodrama is much broader in Greek, it is frequently used to describe it.

Opera is a major musical cultural output and one of the oldest musical genres. We frequently use the same name to refer to the theater where performances are held. It is characteristic that the opera resurrected the old Greek tragedy. Plenty of famous operas of the 16th and 17th centuries re-presented ancient Greek themes, with the tragic poets of the 5th century BC dominating. Many Italian composers interacted with ancient Greek works, reviving them via classic ballet, opera, and symphonic works.