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"Opera is free from any servile imitation of nature. By the power of music it attunes the soul to a beautiful receptiveness." —FRIEDRICH VON SCHILLER

Key Points

  • Romantic opera developed distinct national styles in France, Germany, and Italy.
  • In France, lyric opera represented a merger between grand opera (serious historical dramas with spectacular effects) and opéra comique (comic opera with spoken dialogue).
  • In Germany, the genre of Singspiel (light, comic drama with spoken dialogue) gave way to more serious works, including Richard Wagner's music drama, which integrated all elements of opera.
  • Both opera seria (serious opera) and opera buffa (comic opera) were favored in Italy; they marked the peak of the bel canto (beautiful singing) style.

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