19th-Century Italian Opera—Bel Canto Opera

Overview

In contrast to French opera of the 19th century, which constituted a relatively isolated tradition, the Italian and German opera traditions were far more influential and internationally popular. Italian opera was a business venture and conservative in nature. Gioacchino Rossini, one of the great composers of Italian- language opera of the 19th century, was also a master of the bel canto style. This style emphasizes beauty of melody and voice and is exemplified by the aria “Una voce poco fa” from Rossini’s Barber of Seville, one of the greatest opere buffe ever written.