Opera is a dramatic art form that combines music, vocal performances, and dance. It originated in Italy in the late 16th century and quickly spread to the rest of Europe. Operas are typically performed in theaters and often tell stories about historical or mythological figures. Some of the most famous operas include Mozart's "The Magic Flute," Verdi's "La Traviata," and Puccini's "La Bohème."
Cantata
A cantata is a vocal composition that is typically performed by a soloist or a small group of singers. Cantatas are usually shorter than operas and often have a religious or secular theme. Some of the most famous cantatas include Bach's "Coffee Cantata," Handel's "Messiah," and Beethoven's "Ninth Symphony."
Oratorio
An oratorio is a large-scale vocal composition that is typically performed by a choir, orchestra, and soloists. Oratorios are often based on religious texts and can tell stories about the life of Jesus, the history of the world, or other religious topics. Some of the most famous oratorios include Handel's "Messiah," Haydn's "The Creation," and Mendelssohn's "Elijah."
Aria
An aria is a solo song that is typically sung by an opera singer. Arias are often used to express the emotions of a character or to move the plot of an opera forward. Some of the most famous arias include "Nessun dorma" from Puccini's "Turandot," "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi," and "La donna è mobile" from Verdi's "Rigoletto."
Recitative
Recitative is a style of singing that is used to deliver dialogue or narration in an opera or cantata. Recitative is typically sung in a conversational tone and is not as melodic as aria.
Chorus
A chorus is a group of singers who perform together. Choruses are often used to provide background music or to comment on the action in an opera or cantata.