Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. This is an inclusive glossary list of opera genres, giving alternative names. Opera' is an Italian word (short for 'opera in musica'), however it was not commonly used in Italy (or indeed in other countries) to refer to the genre of particular works. Most composers used more precise designations to present their work to the public. Often specific genres of opera were commissioned by theatres or patrons (in which case the form of the work might deviate more or less from the genre norm, depending on the inclination of the composer). Opera genres are not exclusive. Some operas are regarded as belonging to several. In the case of doubt the only authority is, ultimately, the composer himself. Opera genres have been defined in different ways, not always in terms of stylistic rules. Some, like opera seria, refer to traditions identified by later historians, while others, like Zeitoper, have been defined by their own inventors. Other forms have been associated with a particular theatre, for example opera comique at the theatre of the same name, or opera bouffe at the Theatre des Bouffes Parisiens.

Данное издание не является оригинальным. Книга печатается по технологии принт-он-деманд после получения заказа.