Difference between opera and musical

How to explain opera and musicals in lower school

Both opera and musicals are art forms to be taken seriously, both of which can be located in the context of musical theater. But how can you tell them apart?

• The main reason why the difference between opera and musicals is so difficult to explain is that the boundaries between the two genres are sometimes blurred.
• In order to distinguish opera from musicals in a comprehensible way, you should do it in the lower grades in a somewhat pointed manner. explain in the form of ideal types.
• This means that you should first highlight typical aspects of the two genres in order to then emphasize that there are also mixed forms.

Fundamental differences between the two genres

• A very clear difference between opera and musical is that the former is completely composed and the All of the text is sung while the musical is usually characterized by an alternation of spoken dialogues and music excels.


The difference between opera and operetta - this is how you explain it to your evening companion

The difference between opera and operetta is sometimes a little difficult to explain. …

• The opera also has a much longer tradition, as it was already performed at the beginning of the 17th century. Century emerged as a musical form of theater, while the musical did not develop until the end of the 19th century. Century developed.
• Furthermore, the musical is more entertaining than the opera, with the pursuit of popularity and commercial success also playing an important role.

In summary and in simple words that are easy to understand even for students in the lower grades, one can say, somewhat exaggerated, that the musical is not as old as the opera, that it is usually a bit more fun and not only sung, but also spoken will.