grand opera
All-singing theatrical form
Grand opera is opera on a large scale—full orchestra, elaborate staging, serious dramatic themes, and no spoken dialogue.
The term originally distinguished ambitious works from lighter operatic forms like operetta.
It typically features historical or mythological subjects, extended ballets, and spectacular scenic effects.
Verdi and Meyerbeer were masters of grand opera.
Operatic solo piece
- librettoOpera's written words
- sopranoHighest female voice range
- tenorEssential meaning or import
- baritoneMid-range male voice
mezzo-soprano · bass · overture · finale · recitative · act · scene · stage
Numerical standing in competition
- conductorOne who directs musicians
- orchestraLarge instrumental ensemble
- composerCreator of musical works
- bel cantoElegant Italian vocal style
coloratura · cadenza · vibrato · legato · fortissimo · pianissimo · leitmotif · crescendo
Abundant beyond necessity
- opulentOstentatiously wealthy
- magnificentExceptionally beautiful or impressive
- elaborateComplex and detailed
- ornateElaborately decorated
extravagant · sumptuous · gilded · palatial · chandelier · velvet · scenery · tableau
Italian opera composer
Pity-evoking quality
- doomUnavoidable grim fate
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
- downfallSudden loss of power
- fatalityDeath from accident
death scene · doomed lovers · sacrifice · betrayal · vengeance · lamentation · fate · heroic death
aria
Operatic solo piece
baritone · mezzo-soprano · bass · overture · finale · recitative · act · scene · stage · costume
score
Numerical standing in competition
- conductorOne who directs musicians
- orchestraLarge instrumental ensemble
- composerCreator of musical works
bel canto · coloratura · cadenza · vibrato · legato · fortissimo · pianissimo · leitmotif · crescendo · pit orchestra
lavish
Abundant beyond necessity
- opulentOstentatiously wealthy
- magnificentExceptionally beautiful or impressive
- elaborateComplex and detailed
ornate · extravagant · sumptuous · gilded · palatial · chandelier · velvet · scenery · tableau · ballet
Verdi
Italian opera composer
pathos
Pity-evoking quality
- doomUnavoidable grim fate
- catastropheDevastating, large-scale misfortune
- downfallSudden loss of power
fatality · death scene · doomed lovers · sacrifice · betrayal · vengeance · lamentation · fate · heroic death · tragic heroine
- theatreBroadway, acting, theatre, stage, actor
- "Grand" phrases
- operaaria, arias, soprano, tenor, baritone
- Epic dramaGreek tragedy, saga, tragedy, Shakespeare, spectacle
- French MusicEdith Piaf, chanson, French jazz, French pop, Debussy
- Romantic MusicBeethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Liszt, Tchaikovsky
grand operamusical comedy
Humorous sung theatrical production
vaudeville · cabaret · burlesque · music hall · variety show
grand operaBroadway musical
Sung theatrical production
musical comedy · revue · jukebox musical · musical theater · Gilbert and Sullivan
grand, opera, grandeur, grandiose, grandly, grandest, grander, grandiosity, great-grandmother