Opera Day, celebrated on February 8, celebrates opera buffa, a music-driven opera that blends words, dance, costumes, scenery, and acting to tell a dramatic tale.
(Credit: NPR)
Opera Day 2024: Every year, on February 8, people celebrate Opera Day. Even though most of us might identify an opera if we heard one, we might not be familiar with all of the terms and intricate details that define this kind of music. In a nutshell, an opera is a form of performing art that tells a tale dramatically by fusing words and music. An opera combines dance, costumes, scenery, and acting. The text is referred to as the “libretto,” which means “small book,” while the term “opera” in Italian means “work.” Operas are further divided into operetta (light opera), semi-opera (mixing spoken dialogue with masque-like portions), opera buffa (comedic), and opera seria (noble and solemn).
Western classical music traditions gave rise to opera. After beginning in Italy, it later moved to France, Germany, Russia, and England in Europe. The chorus was initially highlighted in opera by reenacting Greek tragedies. Opera was originally performed in Venice in 1637, and it has since gained popularity as a form of entertainment. Throughout its history, the opera art form has seen several changes and divergences since its establishment. Italians were the greatest fans of opera seria for a large portion of the 18th century due to its refined style and spectacular performances.
Like with any artistic movement, however, many wished to modernize the genre. While Verdi is renowned for his self-assured, patriotic operas, Mozart is best known for his comedic operas like “The Marriage of Figaro.” One of the most important opera composers, Wagner created the concept of the “Gesamtkunstwerk,” or “complete artwork,” by fusing many artistic mediums. He also dissolved individual recitatives and arias into “endless melody.”
In the 20th century, composers kept experimenting with the medium and developed avant-garde ideas like dissonance and atonality. Musical theater, or modern opera, has flourished in the modern era. While there are many significant distinctions, some musicals—like the cinematic adaptation of “Les Misérables”—have elements in common with opera. The genre has also impacted entertainment today, as shown in soap operas, which center on personal tragedies in the same manner as the original opera.
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See a show at your neighborhood theater to commemorate this memorable day. There’s no more fitting way to honor Opera Day.
You can now watch opera performances from the comfort of your home if you have convenient access to the Internet. Discover operatic masterpieces by Verdi, Wagner, and Mozart by browsing YouTube.
Opera houses have exquisite architectural designs and are stunning structures. If you are interested in architecture, check out the opera houses in your community. It’s going to be an amazing experience, even if you are not.
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Performances of opera date back to the 1560s. People have loved and appreciated this art form for centuries, and Opera Day celebrates the various ways that art has changed over time.
Not just opera fans should celebrate Opera Day. It’s great for those who enjoy architecture and are curious about the background of opera houses.
When was the last time you attended a show to commemorate a day? Opera Day is an opportunity to really immerse yourself in the event and enjoy the art.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 8 | Thursday |
| 2025 | February 8 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 8 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 8 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 8 | Tuesday |
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