Semi-opera

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Semi-opera is an early form of opera. It developed in England between 1673 and 1710 and is associated with the operas of Henry Purcell, notably King Arthur and The Fairy-Queen.

Semi-operas were performed with singing, speaking and dancing roles. When music was written, it was usually for moments in the play immediately following either love scenes or those concerning the supernatural. It was not an exclusively English genre. Semi-operas were also performed in Spain.



Opera Genres

Ballad opera • Dramma giocoso • Género chico • Grand Opera • Opéra-ballet • Opera buffa • Opéra bouffe • Opéra bouffon • Opéra comique • Opéra féerie • Opera semiseria • Opera seria • Operetta • Pastorale héroïque • Savoy opera • Semi-opera • Singspiel • Tragédie en musique • Verismo • Zarzuela

In other languages