Invented just over four centuries ago, opera has continued to play a large part in the performing arts. It is a challenge for performers who want to test their skills in a complex and exacting form. Each singer for opera must continually train to adjust their voice to the dynamic requirements of the musical performance. Their voice must be focused and concentrated to reach every part of the hall where they are performing. Modern operas have come a long way in the last few years and are better than ever.
Music in this format must be sung powerfully by the artist. Opera singers are specifically trained in voice and breathing control. Over time, opera singers may lose some of their voice ability and compensate with stronger projection. This is done by exerting control over their breathing and using that as a mechanism to push the sound further than ever. It is combined with the trained ability to focus the voice specifically for projection.
Many people associate opera with foreign composers and do not expect to understand the lyrics. While this is true of traditional operas, new ones are still being composed. Modern composers write in their native tongue. If a composer is from a country where English is the native language, then that will be the language of the lyrics. The same is true for composers all over the world. There is no rule that operas may only be written in French, German or Italian. Being able to understand the lyrics is a plus for attracting modern audiences.
Opera is not the static art form many people believe. There are new operas being written and performed by small companies on a regular basis. Many of these companies are in smaller cities and use local artists in their performances. Small opera companies work hard to continue bringing this musical format to new audiences around the world.
