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What determines the language of an opera?

There are several factors that can determine the language of an opera. Here are some of the key factors:

Composer's origin: The composer's native language or cultural background often influences the language chosen for the opera. For example, many Italian operas are composed in Italian, German operas in German, French operas in French, and so on.

Setting of the opera: The location or historical period in which the opera is set can also influence the language. For instance, an opera set in ancient Rome might use Latin or Italian, while an opera set in France during the Renaissance might use French.

Target audience: The intended audience for the opera can also be a factor in determining the language. If the opera is primarily intended for a local or national audience, the language of the country or region where it is being performed may be used. However, if the opera is intended for an international audience, a more widely understood language, such as English or French, may be chosen.

Librettist's background: The language of the opera may also be influenced by the background of the librettist, who writes the opera's text. The librettist's native language or linguistic preferences can shape the language used in the opera.

Artistic considerations: The composer and librettist may also make decisions about the opera's language based on artistic considerations, such as the suitability of the language for the music, the dramatic impact of certain words or phrases, or the overall tone and atmosphere of the opera.

It's important to note that these are just some of the factors that can influence the language of an opera, and there may be other considerations or exceptions in specific cases.

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