German opera: German opera, or _opera seria_, originated in the late 17th century in Germany and Austria. German operas are typically sung in German, and they are known for their complex, orchestrated music and dramatic storytelling. Famous German operas include "Der Ring des Nibelungen" by Richard Wagner, "Die Zauberflöte" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and "Fidelio" by Ludwig van Beethoven.
French opera: French opera began to develop in the late 17th century, with composers such as Jean-Baptiste Lully and Marc-Antoine Charpentier. French operas are sung in French and are known for their refined, elegant style, as well as their use of ballet. Famous French operas include "Carmen" by Georges Bizet, "Faust" by Charles Gounod, and "Manon" by Jules Massenet.
English opera: English opera has its roots in the late 17th and 18th centuries, with composers like Henry Purcell and Thomas Arne. English operas are sung in English and often include elements of traditional English folk songs and dances. Famous examples include "Dido and Aeneas" by Henry Purcell, "The Beggar's Opera" by John Gay, and "Albert Herring" by Benjamin Britten.
Russian opera: Russian opera emerged in the 19th century and is known for its rich melodies and colorful orchestral textures. Russian operas often draw inspiration from Russian folklore, literature, and history. Some famous Russian operas include "Eugene Onegin" by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, "Boris Godunov" by Modest Mussorgsky, and "The Queen of Spades" by Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
Contemporary opera: Contemporary opera is a genre that encompasses operas written in the 20th and 21st centuries. It encompasses a wide range of styles, from traditional to experimental. Contemporary operas often incorporate elements of popular music, jazz, and experimental music, and they may address contemporary themes and issues. Some examples include "Porgy and Bess" by George Gershwin, "Einstein on the Beach" by Philip Glass, and "Nixon in China" by John Adams.