Chapter 1
The birth of a spectacle
Chapter 2
The anatomy of an opera
Chapter 3
Great masters and their masterpieces
Chapter 4
Opera around the world
YOUR GOAL
Master of The world of opera
Ch 1 · The birth of a spectacle
diletta Explore the history and rise of superstar castrati in opera. This infographic highlights how these unique vocalists dominated the classical stage.
diletta An educational image illustrating Claudio Monteverdi and the birth of the first opera masterpiece. Explore the origins of early operatic history.
BETA
diletta Discover the birth of opera with the Pocket Opera Box game. Learn about the history of this musical spectacle in a fun, interactive way.
Fun Fact
Opera's first hit: The oldest surviving opera still regularly performed today is Claudio Monteverdi's 'L'Orfeo', which premiered way back in 1607.
Glossary
opera (noun)
A dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers and instrumentalists. This theatrical tradition began in Florence around 1600, seeking to recreate ancient Greek musical dramas.
A dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers and instrumentalists. This theatrical tradition began in Florence around 1600, seeking to recreate ancient Greek musical dramas.
Quiz
Which composer led the 'operatic reform' of the 1760s to make storytelling more important than vocal showboating?
Quiz
Which composer wrote 'L'Orfeo' in 1607, widely considered the first operatic masterpiece?
Quiz
Which famous 18th-century singer, born Carlo Broschi, was the most celebrated castrato in opera history?
Quiz
What was the name of the first public, commercial opera house opened in Venice in 1637?
Quiz
What ancient civilization's theatrical traditions did the creators of opera attempt to recreate?