The Birth and Life of Opera

Opera was meant to infuse music and universal ideas into one place. It all began in Florence with a group of people known as the Camerata. Camerata wanted a new type of musical drama. An ultimate opera - "Dafne" the first attempt.

The first good opera was "L'Orfeo." The opera was about love, God, and the after life. Inspired by church music. Monteverdi wanted to move music quickly. He wanted the whole piece sung because usually singers are better singing than spoken. "L'Orefeo" created the passionate and dramatic birth of opera.

Opera in Florence than became popular in Venice. In short time there were 19 operas in Italy. Just like movies today, some operas had to do with what was accruing in history.

Universal compassion for all classes were used for rescue operas. After the first night of "La Muette de Portici" people were so inspired by the opera they marched up to their oppressors and confronted them. Opera has inspired countries to come together and create a national identity through it.

Les Mis or Phantom of the Opera can be found anywhere now and has created a gold mine. The opera is the parent of the musical and can be found side by side. The Grand Theater in Shanghai is incredible! From the shape of the building to its ability to hold 1800 people.

Every country needs to act out their rituals with some type of music. One of those ways is through the opera.