Opera as we know it originated in Italy during the 16th and 17th centuries. This form of entertainment evolved from courtly performances that were thriving in the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
The word Opera means “work” in Italian and these performances started out very simply before turning into big, lavish shows as the years went by. These days, Operas are thought to be exceedingly sophisticated in nature.
Where opera originated
The very first Opera as we know it was introduced to the world by Jacopo Peri and it was called Dafne. This Opera was written in 1597 and it was written with the intention of reviving the more traditional Greek drama.
Greek dramas were once sung by entire choruses, and the introduction of song within a play-like setting was a way of restoring this classic method of performing in front of an audience.