Abstract This paper explains that the return to Greek drama within the musical trends of the end of the 16th century and into the early part of 17th century resulted in a multifaceted musical and theatrical combination, which is now called opera. The author analyzes composers, such as Caccini, Peri and Monteverdi, to reveal how this musical idiom developed from the medieval music tradition and Greek Classical revival of the Baroque period. The paper relates that, in the late 16th century, various forms of music were beginning to combine theatrical productions, arias and extended recitative verses, which would invariably be termed opera.
From the Paper "This music study will present the early progenitors opera that began at the end of the 16th century and into the early part of 17th century. By understanding the return to Greek drama within musical trends of these time periods, a multifaceted musical and theatrical combination resulted in what is now called Opera. By analyzing composers such as Caccini, Peri and Monteverdi, one can realize how this musical idiom developed from the medieval music tradition and Greek Classical revival of the Baroque period. In the late 16th century various forms of music were beginning to blend theatrical productions and arias, as well as extended recitative verses that would invariably be termed opera through these initial combinations."
