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.
- Famous opera masterpieces | Featuring many great opera singers
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Mozart: An Introduction to His Signature and Popular Works
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
- Handel’s Masterpieces | A Comprehensive Introduction to His Popular Works
- [Claudio Monteverdi] Introducing Famous and Representative Works
- Classic masterpieces recommended for women
- Classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Cool classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Classical piano masterpieces: legendary performances from around the world you should hear at least once
- Masterpieces of the Romantic Era: A sweeping introduction to soul-stirring, celebrated gems!
- [Classical] A comprehensive introduction to famous love pieces: recommended popular works
- [Orchestra] Introducing famous and popular pieces
Masterpieces recommended for opera beginners. Recommended opera pieces (11–20)
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
Recommended masterpieces for opera beginners. Recommended opera pieces (21–30)
HabaneraGeorges Bizet
The French opera developed by Gounod and others opened up a new frontier with Bizet’s Carmen.
The Habanera is one of the numbers in Carmen.
A form of French opera that includes spoken dialogue in addition to singing is called “opéra comique,” and Carmen is one of them.