List of prominent operas

Throughout the later 17th century, his successor Francesco Cavalli and the Englishman Henry Purcell wrote numerous prominent operas.

The early 18th century was dominated by the operas of George Frideric Handel, while other important works include Pepusch's The Beggar's Opera, Pergolesi's' La serva padrona, and various works by Jean-Philippe Rameau.

The brief accompanying notes offer an explanation as to why each opera has been considered important.

The organisation of the list is by year of first performance, or, if this was long after the composer's death, approximate date of composition.

Operas not included in the above list, but which were important milestones in operatic history.