Differences between opera, operetta and musical
- Opera is often ‘heavier’ in content. Operetta and musical often more light-hearted.
- Opera uses recitatives between arias. Musical has spoken text. Operetta also has spoken text.
- Opera voices are carrying and classically trained, Operetta voices too, the vocals sound similar. Musical voices are amplified and can also sing in a ‘pop style’.
- Opera songs are called arias. Musical songs are called songs.