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Renaissance polyphony and the birth of opera developed into bel canto, nineteenth-century opera and modern concert traditions.

History & evolution

  1. 1500s

    Renaissance polyphony

  2. Around 1600

    Early opera

  3. 1800s

    Bel canto and grand opera

Key styles

  • Opera
  • Bel canto
  • Instrumental classical

Instruments

  • Voice
  • Violin
  • Piano

Masters & composers

  • Monteverdi
  • Vivaldi
  • Rossini
  • Verdi

Listen live

Rai Radio 3

Classical / culture · Official station player

Watch

Full performances & films · YouTube search

Search results; choose official artist or institution uploads.

Learn

Teatro alla Scala

Official publisher · checked October 20, 2026

Santa Cecilia

Official publisher · checked October 20, 2026

Attend

Teatro alla Scala

Official publisher · checked October 20, 2026

Santa Cecilia

Official publisher · checked October 20, 2026

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