- Emergence of opera in Florence, Italy, around the late 16th century.
- Early operas primarily focused on classical mythology, with simple stage sets and costumes.
- Emphasis on vocal technique, with music strongly influenced by Renaissance polyphony.
Baroque Opera (17th-18th Centuries):
- Expansion of opera to major cities across Europe, including Venice, Rome, and Paris.
- Opera became a lavish spectacle with elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects.
- Rise of the bel canto singing style, characterized by virtuosic vocal acrobatics.
- Notable composers: Claudio Monteverdi, George Frideric Handel, and Jean-Baptiste Lully.
Classical Opera (Late 18th Century):
- Shift towards simpler musical structures and more dramatic storytelling.
- Emphasis on emotional expression and natural human interactions on stage.
- Notable composers: Christoph Willibald Gluck, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Joseph Haydn.
Romantic Opera (19th Century):
- Increased emotional intensity and dramatic expressiveness.
- Grand, sweeping orchestral scores with rich colors and textures.
- Exploration of fantasy, exotic locales, and historical settings.
- Notable composers: Gioachino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, and Giacomo Puccini.
20th and 21st Centuries:
- Experimentation with musical styles, structures, and theatrical forms.
- Inclusion of diverse musical influences, such as jazz, folk, and electronic elements.
- Rise of contemporary opera and avant-garde works that push the boundaries of traditional opera.
- Notable composers: Igor Stravinsky, Benjamin Britten, John Adams, and Philip Glass.
Throughout its history, opera has undergone significant changes in musical style, thematic content, and staging techniques, reflecting the artistic and social developments of each era.