operatic literature

Operatic literature refers to the extensive body of musical works composed specifically for performance in opera houses. It encompasses all the elements that make up an opera, including the music, libretto (text), and staging. Think of it as the "library" of operas—each piece a carefully crafted combination of orchestral music, vocal performance, and dramatic storytelling. These works span multiple styles and periods, from classical to modern, and serve as the foundational repertoire for performers, directors, and scholars. Essentially, operatic literature is the collective body of significant operatic compositions that define the art form’s history and development.