Popular Operas Flashcards
Match the Year, Composer & Brief Description to the Opera
1853
Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
The tragic love story of Violetta, a Parisian courtesan, and Alfredo, a young nobleman. Based on Alexandre Dumas’ novel “La Dame aux Camélias.”
La Traviata
1875
Composer: Georges Bizet
Set in Spain, it tells the story of the title character, a fiery gypsy, and her doomed relationship with the soldier Don José
Carmen
1791
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
A fairy tale opera featuring Prince Tamino’s quest to rescue Pamina, guided by this title instrument and accompanied by the comedic bird-catcher Papageno
The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte)
1896
Composer: Giacomo Puccini
The bohemian lifestyle of four friends in Paris and the tragic love story of the poet Rodolfo and the seamstress Mimì.
La Bohème
1871
Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
Set in ancient Egypt, the story of the title character, an Ethiopian princess, who is captured and falls in love with the Egyptian warrior Radamès.
Aida
1900
Composer: Giacomo Puccini
A tale of love, jealousy, and political intrigue set in Rome, centered around the opera singer Floria Tosca, her lover Cavaradossi, and the corrupt police chief Scarpia.
Tosca
1904
Composer: Giacomo Puccini
The tragic story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese geisha, and her ill-fated marriage to the American naval officer Pinkerton.
Madama Butterfly
1816
Composer: Gioachino Rossini
A comedic opera about the clever barber Figaro who helps Count Almaviva win the heart of the beautiful Rosina.
The Barber of Seville (Il Barbiere di Siviglia)
1787
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The darkly comedic tale of the title character, a legendary seducer, and his eventual downfall.
Don Giovanni
1851
Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
The story of the title character, a hunchbacked court jester, and his attempts to protect his daughter Gilda from the lascivious Duke of Mantua.
Rigoletto
1859
Composer: Charles Gounod
Based on Goethe’s play, the story of the title character, a scholar, who makes a pact with the devil, Mephistopheles, for youth and love.
Faust
1786
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
A comedic opera about the clever Figaro and his efforts to outwit his master, Count Almaviva, and marry his beloved Susanna
The Marriage of Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro)
1926
Composer: Giacomo Puccini
The story of the title character, an icy Princess, and the brave suitor Calaf, who must solve three riddles to win her hand.
Turandot
1832
Composer: Gaetano Donizetti
A romantic comedy about the lovesick Nemorino who buys a magic love potion to win the heart of the beautiful Adina.
L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love)
1835
Composer: Gaetano Donizetti
A tragic opera about the doomed love affair between Lucia and Edgardo, set in the Scottish Highlands.
Lucia di Lammermoor
