Opera seria is a genre of Italian opera that emerged in the late 17th century, characterized by its serious themes, noble characters, and a focus on recitative and aria formats. It often dealt with historical or mythological subjects, featuring elaborate vocal techniques and a highly structured musical form, reflecting the ideals of the Baroque era. This style of opera played a crucial role in shaping the evolution of vocal performance, particularly through the emergence of monody and bel canto style, as well as influencing the reception of operatic works in the 18th century.
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