Originating in Italy in the late 16th century, Opera is distinguished by its use of vocal performance, where singers convey the drama through arias (solo songs), recitatives (dialogue-like singing), and choral sections. These performances are often accompanied by a full orchestra that provides the emotional and dramatic backdrop, enhancing the narrative and mood.

Some of the most famous operatic composers include Mozart, whose masterpieces The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni have become staples in the opera repertoire, and in the 19th century Giuseppe Verdi, one of the giants of the genre, is famed for a succession of masterpieces including La Traviata, Aida and Otello. Richard Wagner is celebrated for his German language music dramas culminating in The Ring Cycle and in the 20h century Puccini maintained the Italian tradition with a string of popular works including Tosca and  La Boheme.  France has contributed many distinguished operas, with perhaps Georges Bizet’s Carmen the most popular, but Gounod's Faust and Massenet's Manon and Werther are  significant examples of the Gallic touch. Benjamin Britten, England's most successful composer for the theatre reshaped 20th-century opera with Peter Grimes. 

Due to their length, many full Opera recordings were released in Vinyl LP Box Sets which often included a Libretto booklet. However record companies also released single Opera Highlights LPs.