Opera is part of the Western classical music tradition, and has long been performed for audiences on a large-scale format.

It started in Italy at the end of the 16th century and soon spread through the rest of Europe.

In the 18th century, Italian opera continued to dominate most of Europe (except France), attracting foreign composers such as Handel.

Today the most renowned figure of late 18th century opera is Mozart, and his music is at times the featured attraction of opera and early music festivals.

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