Opera vs. Musical
Operas and musicals are two classic art forms with theatrical elements, both of which heavily rely on music. Their captivating performances often transport audiences into a musical world. However, people unfamiliar with the intricacies of musicals and operas may not appreciate the differences between the two. Though they may appear similar to a layperson, this article will shed light on the distinctions between musicals and operas.
What is a Musical?
A musical is a type of play that uses songs and music to narrate its story. Typically lighthearted comedies, musicals do occasionally tackle serious themes. The format involves dialogues interspersed with songs, but some musicals, such as Les Miserables, Joseph, and Chess, almost exclusively use songs to progress the story. In these instances, they are referred to as popular operas to distinguish them from the classical form of operas. One characteristic feature of musicals is that the main singers also dance.
What is an Opera?
An opera is a form of theater that uses singing and dancing to portray a story in front of an audience, accompanied by an orchestra. It is a musical tradition involving musicians, singers, and dancers who communicate the story through their performances. Operas often feature themes like treachery, revenge, greed, and passion, but instead of using spoken dialogue, emotions are expressed through songs and dances. Operas can captivate and mesmerize audiences without the need for dialogue, showcasing romance, tragedy, comedy, and other emotions. Operas typically include sets, props, costumes, and background music, with the only missing component being spoken dialogue.
What is the difference between a Musical and an Opera?
• Musicals are often compared to operas, but they differ in that musicals emphasize dialogues to convey the story while using songs and dances, whereas operas are purely musical, with performers communicating the entire story through songs and dances without spoken dialogue.
• Opera performers are exclusively singers or dancers, while musical performers are actors who can also sing and dance.
• Musicals tend to be comical and lighthearted, while operas can have a wide range of themes, from comedy and tragedy to suspense and thrill.
• Opera is an older musical tradition than musicals, with Italian and French operas being popular worldwide.
• In operas, music drives the story, while acting and dialogues propel the story forward in musicals.
Key Takeaways
- Musicals use dialogues interspersed with songs to tell their story, while operas rely solely on songs and dances to convey the narrative.
- Performers in musicals are actors who can also sing and dance, while opera performers are primarily singers or dancers.
- Operas can cover a wide range of themes and are an older musical tradition compared to musicals, which tend to be more lighthearted and comical.
I think you have overlooked a very important nuance in what kind of songs musicals and operas are comprised of.
While an opera typically has more singing it is still a story first and foremost. Most of the singing uses conversational rhythms and often jumps around melodically to suit the emotions of particular lines. Aside from arias and choruses most of an opera sacrifices musicality for drama.
A musical on the other hand is a collection of songs strung together by a story. Clairty of the story is less important than hummable melodies and danceable rhythms.