Journey Through the History of Italian Opera

Italian opera began in the late 16th century during the Renaissance. The earliest works, called 'dramma per musica', were court entertainments. 'La Dafne' by Jacopo Peri is considered the earliest example of the genre.

Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, and José Carreras, collectively known as The Three Tenors, popularized opera globally in the 1990s. Their concerts attracted millions, blending opera with other musical genres.

Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner were rivals who never met. Their contrasting styles shaped opera differently; Verdi's focus was on human emotions, while Wagner's operas integrated complex leitmotifs and mythological elements.

Milan's Teatro alla Scala is renowned for its acoustics. Uniquely, its wooden floors are hollow, enhancing sound quality. It has hosted premieres of operas by Verdi and Puccini, among others.

Castrati, male singers castrated before puberty to preserve their high-pitched voices, were superstars in 17th and 18th-century opera. Farinelli was one of the most famous, known for his powerful voice and wide vocal range.

From candle-lit stages to gas and electric lighting, opera production has evolved dramatically. Today, high-definition broadcasts allow global audiences to experience live performances from iconic opera houses.

In the early 19th century, some operas, like Rossini's, were partially improvised. Performers often embellished the vocal lines, making each performance unique.

In 2015, an opera singer performed an aria aboard the International Space Station, making it the first opera sung in space.