Opera originated in Italy in the early 17th century.

Orfeo, composed by Claudio Monteverdi, is considered to be the first known opera.

Claudio Monteverdi is often regarded as the father of opera due to his groundbreaking work in the genre, particularly his opera Orfeo.

Teatro San Carlo in Naples was the first opera house built specifically for opera performances and hosted many Baroque opera premieres.

Jean-Baptiste Lully, a French composer, was known for his use of elaborate stage machinery and special effects in his operas.

Lascia ch'io pianga is a famous aria from Handel's opera Rinaldo.

George Frideric Handel was known for his operas based on ancient Greek and Roman mythology, such as Giulio Cesare and Ariodante.

L'Olimpiade is an opera seria composed by Antonio Vivaldi.

Henry Purcell was known for his operas based on contemporary events and social issues, such as Dido and Aeneas.

Che farò senza Euridice is a famous aria from Monteverdi's opera L'Orfeo.

Alessandro Scarlatti was known for his use of counterpoint and complex harmonies in his operas.

Vedrai, carino is a famous aria from Pergolesi's opera La serva padrona.

George Frideric Handel was known for his operas based on biblical stories, such as Samson and Delilah and Saul.

Ombra mai fu is a famous aria from Rameau's opera Hippolyte et Aricie.

Jean-Philippe Rameau was known for his operas based on chivalric romances, such as Zoroastre and Dardanus.