Famous pieces recommended for opera beginners. Recommended opera songs.
Opera, also known as music drama or grand opera, is a genre considered the most comprehensive of the performing arts within classical music.
Among its famous pieces are Nessun dorma from Turandot and the Toreador Song from Carmen—melodies many people recognize even if they don’t know the operas themselves.
Opera has produced countless masterpieces, and here we’ll highlight introductory works that, by knowing the music, can serve as a gateway to understanding opera.
People often assume opera is difficult, but in fact its music is heard in everyday life and feels familiar.
As you learn about the stories and composers, you’ll find many themes that are engaging and relevant even today.
I’ve put together this list in the hope that more people will get to know it better.
I hope you’ll enjoy these works alongside great performances from around the world.
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Masterpieces recommended for opera beginners. Recommended opera pieces (11–20)
Prelude to Act I from the opera CarmenGeorges Bizet
It’s an orchestral piece that plays an important role as the opera’s prelude.
It evokes a passionate Spanish atmosphere and is acclaimed as a masterpiece that condenses the essence of the entire opera.
The march-like melody at the beginning is frequently used in TV programs and commercials, making it familiar to many people.
In a short span, it skillfully combines a variety of melodies, brilliantly foreshadowing the opera’s overall mood and themes.
It’s recommended both for those interested in opera but not yet familiar with it and as an entry point to classical music.
Since it’s a short piece of about two minutes, why not give it a casual listen?
Méditation from the opera ThaïsJules Massenet
Known as the violin solo masterpiece Méditation from Thaïs, this piece is an intermezzo from the opera Thaïs by the French composer Jules Massenet.
In opera, not only overtures and arias but also intermezzi like this can become famous; another well-known example is the Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana.
The secret to this piece’s popularity lies in the violin’s beautiful, delicate melody and the fact that, as a solo, it’s actually relatively approachable to play, making it a staple in the repertoire of many violinists.
Even those unfamiliar with the opera Thaïs often know this piece, so why not explore the rest of Thaïs starting from this work?
Overture to Ruslan and LyudmilaMikhail Glinka
It’s a very dazzling opera masterpiece.
Mikhail Glinka is one of the composers of the Russian national school.
Ruslan and Lyudmila is a fairy-tale opera that incorporates characteristics of Russian folk music.
In the 19th century, when Glinka was active, the idea of “nationalism” was on the rise; as European centers expanded imperialism, surrounding regions were motivated to protect their own cultures, which became a major impetus.
The orchestra opens tutti, with the strings playing a passage that seems to surge upward.
The woodwinds pick up the phrases in pursuit, the strings also sing out, and the piece maintains a sense of breathless drive throughout.
Looking at the score, every part is written to connect the phrases; while it’s delightful to listen to, the performers are often quite strained.
You can’t help but want to shout “bravo” to an orchestra that plays it through so brilliantly.
“Ride of the Valkyries,” Act 3 from the opera The ValkyrieRichard Wagner
Also known as “Ride of the Valkyries,” this piece by Richard Wagner is very famous.
The greatest opera composer of the late Romantic era is the German Wagner, who sought a total work of art that unifies theater, literature, and music.
This piece, included in The Ring of the Nibelung, is performed at the beginning of Act III and depicts the Valkyries, including Brünnhilde, gathering the souls of fallen warriors on the battlefield.
The curtain rises immediately, and to the music, eight Valkyries gather on a rocky mountaintop, crying out.
The woodwinds’ tremolo and the strings’ upward runs heighten the tension, and the horns and trumpets play that famous melody.
It’s a piece that raises the performers’ adrenaline as well when played by an orchestra.
“Maria and Draco” from the game Final Fantasy VIUematsu Nobuo
When you hear “opera in a video game,” it may be hard to imagine, but among gamers there’s a legendary, oft-discussed masterpiece themed around an opera.
It’s the opera ‘Maria and Draco’ featured in Final Fantasy VI, part of the globally popular Final Fantasy series created by Square Enix Co., Ltd.
In addition to the ambitious concept of staging an opera within a game, the music follows classical traditions while presenting a modern take on opera.
In-game, it’s a drama-like mini-opera with choices that change the content depending on the player’s selection, and it consists of four pieces: Overture, Aria, The Wedding Waltz ~ Duel, and Grand Finale.
Unlike traditional classical opera, it’s short—about 14 minutes even in orchestral performance—making it an excellent entry point for newcomers to experience the atmosphere of opera through a game.
Overture from the opera “The Marriage of Figaro”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
A famous piece that opens the opera, characterized by a light and dazzling atmosphere.
Its bright key of D major and the lively interplay between the strings and woodwinds are especially striking.
Another charm is how it presents a wide range of expressions in a short span.
It reflects the opera’s comedic, energetic character and heightens anticipation for the story to come.
Premiered at the Burgtheater in Vienna on May 1, 1786, this piece remains a popular concert favorite worldwide.
It’s also a great recommendation for those interested in classical music but not yet very familiar with it.
Overture from the opera “La forza del destino”Giuseppe Verdi
The overture to The Force of Destiny is one of the most iconic pieces in the operatic repertoire.
From the opening three chords—known as the “Fate motif”—it grips the listener and never lets go.
The characters’ inner conflicts and their struggle against destiny are conveyed through rich melodies and dramatic development, making it a piece that can be fully enjoyed even by those unfamiliar with opera.
Blending the orchestra’s brilliant sonorities with Verdi’s genius compositional craft, this work is highly recommended for anyone interested in classical music or drawn to dramatic soundscapes.
The revised version performed at La Scala in Milan on February 27, 1869 was a great success and continues to be beloved by many to this day.
Triumphal March from the opera AidaGiuseppe Verdi
Opening with a grand fanfare, this piece is performed in a lavish scene celebrating the Egyptian army’s victory.
Specially made Aida trumpets are used, symbolically expressing the joy and glory of triumph.
The lyrics, in which the people of Egypt and the priests give thanks to the gods and celebrate victory, are particularly striking.
Yet beneath the glittering festivities lies the inner turmoil of the main characters, symbolically expressing the opera’s central theme: the conflict between love and loyalty.
Thanks to its majestic music and profound thematic depth, this work continues to be cherished by many and is recommended not only for classical music enthusiasts but also for those new to opera.
Selection from the operetta “The Merry Widow”Franz Lehar
This is a collection of pieces arranged for wind band, featuring carefully selected masterpieces from Franz Lehár’s celebrated works.
Beautiful melodies such as the “Vilja Song” and “The Merry Widow Waltz” are woven throughout.
In step with the unfolding story, themes of love and joy are expressed, drawing listeners in.
The glittering waltz rhythms and richly expressive arias are particularly striking, capturing the full charm of operetta.
It is recommended not only for those interested in opera and operetta, but also as an introduction to classical music.
First premiered in December 1905 and performed more than 300,000 times, this masterpiece’s world can now be enjoyed in the sonorous colors of wind band.
“Brindisi” (Drinking Song) from the opera La TraviataGiuseppe Verdi
Set to a dazzling waltz rhythm, this piece celebrates the transience of life and the joy of love.
Premiered in March 1853, it brilliantly captures the hedonistic atmosphere of Parisian high society.
Its lively melody and the deft interplay between soloist and chorus work together to captivate listeners.
Frequently used to heighten a celebratory mood—such as wedding background music or New Year’s concerts—it’s also a great recommendation for those interested in classical music but worried it might be difficult.
Its approachable melody and life-affirming, upbeat lyrics are sure to resonate with you.