An opera is a type of dramatic work or theatrical presentation which is set to music. Most operas attempt to tell a moving and dramatic story through instrumental music and vocalizations. Unlike musicals, however, operas typically contain no spoken dialogue, but rely solely on music to tell a story. Operas are also more dramatic, or serious, than musicals, and they are also usually more poetic. These original operas were typically only meant for audiences of aristocrats and wealthy families. So-called commoners weren’t to get a taste of operatic performances until 1637, when the first public opera house – Teatro San Cassiano – was erected in Venice.
