The Widespread Appeal of the Opera Singer

For all the success of the pop music over the past sixty or so years, it is amid a more specialist genre in the field of music that the real talent is to be found.
It has always been the case that the vocal power and presence of the opera singer almost invariably surpassed that of the more mainstream entertainer. Everybody has heard of Pavarotti, and few would compare the rock or pop artist favourably with the late, great tenor when it comes to pure singing ability. One or two, such as the excellent Freddie Mercury, made a tentative attempt to bridge the two, but few others would even dare to try.
In its typical form opera incorporates many elements of spoken theatre including acting, dance, scenery and costumes. Major performances are typically given in an opera house, accompanied by either a full orchestra or a smaller musical ensemble.
Opera has a very long and distinguished history, dating back to 16th century Italy. It spread rapidly throughout Europe, with separate national traditions being established by Lully in France, Purcell in England and Schuetz in Germany less than a century later. Many 18th and 19th century operas are still regarded as classics today and are frequently performed.
But it isn't just in the big opera houses that we would find opera being performed today. Like any other artistic medium opera is like an iceberg, with a whole solid presence lurking firmly beneath the surface, strong and significant but not always obvious from a distance. At classical music concerts, classical opera, gala performances, classical recitals, weddings and private functions opera singers are entertaining thousands of people every day.
A good opera singer injects class, culture and sophistication into any function and is almost invariably enjoyed even by those who would profess not to be enthused by opera.