What is Opera?

Over the years, all texts – whether musical or not – will be copied, with mistakes creeping in. To preserve the composer’s original work, a version that reflects their intentions has to be created.

Some opera purists argue that operetta isn’t true opera, but what’s the difference and does it really matter? Rebecca Armstrong investigates.

Ever wondered what an aria actually is? Or what the conductor really does? Here we explain some of the main terms used in opera.

Italian for ‘little book’, the libretto contains the full text of a dramatic musical work such as an opera, along with stage directions, it provides a useful way for audiences to follow the story.

Over the years, all texts – whether musical or not – will be copied, with mistakes creeping in. To preserve the composer’s original work, a version that reflects their intentions has to be created.

Some opera purists argue that operetta isn’t true opera, but what’s the difference and does it really matter? Rebecca Armstrong investigates.

Ever wondered what an aria actually is? Or what the conductor really does? Here we explain some of the main terms used in opera.