Opera Cornique - Is a type of French opera wherein instead of singing, the lines are spoken.An example of this is La gazza ladra (The Thieving Magpie} by Gioachino Rossini This is why some loosely define it as a combination of the elements of both comic and serious opera.

Opera Semiseria - This type of opera has a serious story but has a happy ending.

An example of this opera is Rinaldo by George Frideric Handel. Bel canto is Italian for 'beautiful singing ' the vocal style used by operatic singers in Italy which emerged during the 17th century. Emphasis is also given to the solo voice and bel canto style. Often, the story revolves around heroes and myths.

Serious Opera - In Italian, it's opera seria, also referred to as Neopolitan opera mainly due to the volume of composers who were from Naples who contributed to this type of opera.

An example of this opera is La serva padrona (The Maid as Mistress) by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. In this type of opera, the dialogue is often spoken and not sung. Other forms of this opera are opera buffa and operetta, to name a few.

Comic Opera - Also known as light opera, this type of opera often tackles light, not so delicate subject matter where the ending often has a happy resolution.

What language is opera music