By BBC Music Magazine

Published: Thursday, 14 December 2023 at 10:40 AM


Selecting the very best operas of all time is quite the task. After all, the opera form has branched off in many different styles and tangents since Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo of 1607, the earliest opera still seeing regular performances to this day.

What are the greatest operas of all time?

However, there are unquestionably some outstanding examples of the genre: works that combine a compelling storyline, captivating characters and, of course, beautiful music.

What is the difference between a musical and an opera?

Here is our own handpicked list of the 20 greatest operas of all time. Do you agree? And by the way, elsewhere on our site you can read reviews of the latest opera recordings.