The Most Popular Opera of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the opera you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:45
In a bustling city filled with cultural heritage, an old opera house stands as a testament to a bygone era, where every performance is a brush with history. Patrons, young and old, often debate over which opera resonates the most, revealing the diverse tastes that opera evokes. This difference in opinion shows the personal connection people have with various operas, emphasizing the need for a collective voice to determine the favorites.
By participating in the ranking of the most beloved operas, each vote becomes a part of preserving and sharing this rich cultural legacy. It's not just about preferences; it's a way to engage with opera on a deeper level, understanding its impact over time and across audiences. Voting also encourages a wider participation in the arts, drawing in newcomers who might be exploring this sophisticated art form for the first time.
What Is the Most Popular Opera of All Time?
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149votes
La Traviata
Giuseppe VerdiLa Traviata is composed by Giuseppe Verdi, this opera has become one of the most performed and beloved works in the world. Its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption have resonated with audiences since its premiere in 1853.La Traviata is an Italian opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi. It is based on the play 'La dame aux Camélias' by Alexandre Dumas fils. The opera tells the tragic love story of Violetta Valéry, a renowned courtesan, and Alfredo Germont, a young bourgeois. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations.- Premiere Date: March 6, 1853
- Librettist: Francesco Maria Piave
- Genre: Opera
- Language: Italian
- Setting: Paris, 19th century
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237votes
The Barber of Seville
Gioachino RossiniThe Barber of Seville is written by Gioachino Rossini, this opera is a comedic masterpiece that has been performed countless times since its premiere in 1816. The witty libretto and catchy tunes have made it a favorite of audiences and critics alike.The Barber of Seville is an opera buffa (comic opera) that tells the story of a young Count Almaviva who falls in love with the beautiful Rosina. With the help of the witty barber Figaro, Almaviva attempts to win Rosina's heart and rescue her from the clutches of her elderly guardian, Dr. Bartolo. The opera is filled with lively and hilarious scenes, showcasing both the wit and the charm of the characters.- Genre: Opera buffa
- Premiere Date: February 20, 1816
- Librettist: Cesare Sterbini
- Based on: Pierre Beaumarchais' play of the same name
- Language: Italian
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318votesCarmen is composed by Georges Bizet, this opera is a passionate and dramatic tale of love and jealousy set in 19th century Spain. Its memorable melodies and iconic characters have made it a staple of the opera repertoire.Carmen is a four-act opera considered one of the most popular of all time. It tells the story of Carmen, a fiery and free-spirited gypsy woman in Seville, Spain, during the 19th century. She seduces the soldier Don José, who becomes obsessed with her and ultimately faces tragic consequences due to their tumultuous relationship.
- Premiere Date: March 3, 1875
- Genre: Opera
- Language: French
- Librettists: Henri Meilhac, Ludovic Halévy
- Setting: Seville, Spain
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423votes
Karl Friedrich Schinkel · Public domainThe Magic Flute
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThe Magic Flute is written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, this opera is a fantastical tale of love, magic, and adventure. Its blend of comedy, drama, and music has made it a perennial favorite of audiences around the world.The Magic Flute, also known as Die Zauberflöte in German, is an opera in two acts composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is considered one of Mozart's most popular and influential works, blending both comedic and serious elements. The opera tells the story of Prince Tamino as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Pamina from the clutches of the Queen of the Night. Along his journey, Tamino encounters fantastical characters, undergoes trials, and learns about the power of love and enlightenment.- Premiere Date: 30 September 1791
- Genre: Opera
- Language: German
- Number of Acts: 2
- Key Characters: Prince Tamino, Princess Pamina, Queen of the Night, Papageno
The Magic Flute in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Opera Buffa composed by Mozart
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522votesAida is composed by Giuseppe Verdi, this grand opera tells the story of a love triangle set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt. Its lavish sets, costumes, and music have made it one of the most spectacular operas ever staged.Aida is an opera that tells the story of an enslaved Ethiopian princess, Aida, who falls in love with an Egyptian warrior, Radamès, during the time of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. The opera explores themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice against the backdrop of war between Ethiopia and Egypt.
- Premiere Date: December 24, 1871
- Librettist: Antonio Ghislanzoni
- Language: Italian
- Act Structure: 4 acts
- Music Style: Romantic
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66votes
Lionelmozart · CC BY-SA 4.0Don Giovanni
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartDon Giovanni is written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, this opera is a dark and brooding tale of a notorious womanizer who meets his ultimate fate. Its complex characters, intricate plot, and beautiful music have made it a masterpiece of the genre.Don Giovanni is an opera in two acts composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is considered one of Mozart's most famous and influential works. The opera premiered in 1787 and is based on the myth of Don Juan, a fictional libertine and seducer. Don Giovanni tells the story of the arrogant and promiscuous nobleman, Don Giovanni, who encounters various romantic and comedic adventures, ultimately leading to his downfall and damnation.- Genre: Opera
- Language: Italian
- Premiere Date: October 29, 1787
- Act: Two acts
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Don Giovanni in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Opera Buffa composed by Mozart
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular piece by Mozart
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78votesRigoletto is composed by Giuseppe Verdi, this opera is a tragic tale of a father's love for his daughter and the curse that ultimately destroys them both. Its emotional power and unforgettable melodies have made it a classic of the operatic repertoire.Rigoletto is an Italian opera that was composed by Giuseppe Verdi. It premiered on March 11, 1851, at La Fenice opera house in Venice. The opera is based on the play 'Le roi s'amuse' by Victor Hugo and tells the tragic story of the hunchbacked court jester, Rigoletto, and his daughter Gilda, who becomes the victim of a curse. With its unforgettable melodies and dramatic storyline, Rigoletto has become one of the most beloved and frequently performed operas in the world.
- Premiere Date: March 11, 1851
- Opera House: La Fenice, Venice
- Based on: Play 'Le roi s'amuse' by Victor Hugo
- Genre: Tragic opera
- Language: Italian
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812votesTosca is written by Giacomo Puccini, this opera is a thrilling story of love, betrayal, and political intrigue set in Rome in 1800. Its dramatic intensity and beautiful music have made it a favorite of opera fans around the world.Tosca is a three-act opera composed by Giacomo Puccini. It is considered one of the most popular operas of all time, known for its passionate and dramatic storyline. Set in Rome during the Napoleonic era, Tosca tells the tragic tale of Floria Tosca, a celebrated opera singer, who becomes entangled in a web of love, jealousy, and political intrigue. The opera explores themes of power, betrayal, and the human capacity for both love and violence.
- Premiere Date: 14 January 1900
- Genre: Opera
- Language: Italian
- Number of Acts: 3
- Setting: Rome, Italy
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911votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainThe Marriage of Figaro
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartThe Marriage of Figaro is composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, this opera is a witty and sophisticated comedy that skewers the social conventions of 18th century Europe. Its sparkling music and clever libretto have made it a perennial favorite of opera-goers.The Marriage of Figaro is a beloved opera buffa composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is based on the French play of the same name by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais. This opera tells a comedic and dramatic story about Figaro, a valet, and Susanna, a maid, who are about to get married. Count Almaviva, their master, tries to exercise his feudal right to sleep with the bride-to-be, resulting in a series of humorous love triangles, misunderstandings, and plots.- Genre: Opera Buffa
- Language: Italian
- Premiere Date: May 1, 1786
- Librettist: Lorenzo Da Ponte
- Number of Acts: 4
The Marriage of Figaro in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Opera Buffa composed by Mozart
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular piece by Mozart
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104votesMadame Butterfly is written by Giacomo Puccini, this opera is a heartbreaking story of a Japanese woman who falls in love with an American naval officer. Its lush melodies and tragic ending have made it one of the most popular and enduring operas of all time.Madame Butterfly is a popular opera that tells the tragic story of a Japanese geisha named Cio-Cio San who marries an American naval officer. The opera explores themes of love, betrayal, and cultural clashes. It is known for its beautiful melodies, emotional intensity, and memorable characters.
- Premiere Date: February 17, 1904
- Genre: Opera
- Language: Italian
- Setting: Nagasaki, Japan
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular opera
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Historical significanceConsider the impact of the opera on the development of the art form and its influence on subsequent works. Some operas have unique groundbreaking features that make them stand out.
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Cultural impactEvaluate the opera's reception and popularity by considering the number of performances, translations, and adaptations into other art forms. This will give you an idea of the opera's cultural reach.
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Artistic meritAssess the quality of the opera's music, libretto, and overall structure. This involves examining the composer's skills and the way they have successfully integrated the various elements of the opera.
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Notable performances and productionsThe popularity of an opera can also be linked to famous singers, directors, and conductors who have contributed to iconic renditions of the work. These memorable performances and productions can cement an opera's place in history.
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Accessibility and universal themesEvaluate the characters, themes, and stories in the opera. Great operas often have universal human themes that allow them to transcend cultural boundaries and draw in diverse audiences.
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Awards and distinctionsPay attention to any awards or distinctions that the opera has received, which indicate its recognition within the industry and its artistic excellence.
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Popularity within the repertoireA popular opera is likely to be included in the standard repertoire of major opera companies and frequently performed worldwide.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular opera of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Opera is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2417 views
- 185 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Opera once every 24 hours. The rank of each Opera is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular opera of all time
Opera, a form of musical theatre, has been around since the 16th century and has been a popular art form ever since. It is known for its dramatic storylines, intricate musical compositions, and the use of powerful vocal performances. There have been many famous operas throughout history, but one that stands out as the most popular is Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata, which premiered in 1853. Other notable operas that have captured the hearts of audiences around the world include Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, Puccini's La Bohème, and Bizet's Carmen. Opera continues to be a beloved art form that draws in crowds from all walks of life, with each production offering a unique experience.
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