Operatic

Operatic music began in 17th century Italy, when someone thought it wise to combine tedious recitals with dramatic flair and lavish costumes, because why not turn tragedy into a full-blown spectacle? It’s characterised by soaring sopranos, dramatic tenors, and enough vibrato to make your grandmother's knitting needles tremble, all backed by orchestras that appear to have more strings than a puppet shop. Despite its somewhat stuffy reputation, opera has enchanted audiences for centuries, proving that even the art of bewildering high notes can activate the emotions—if you can keep a straight face for the occasional plot twist involving mistaken identities and long-lost lovers.