Opera

From PathfinderWiki
Shensen is a renowned Chelaxian opera diva.

Opera is a musical art form in which singers and musicians tell a dramatic story, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera can include both sung and spoken words, and is usually enhanced by the inclusion of costumes, set pieces, and even dance. The words both sung and spoken form the opera's libretto, while the music is the score. Operas are often accompanied by either a small ensemble or a large orchestra of musicians.1

Jingju

In Tian Xia, operatic forms are known as jingju emerged as entertainment for the masses around 3500 AR, more than 500 years before Chelaxian opera. The number, breadth, and diversity of cultures across Tian Xia results in a many distinct forms of opera, variations in instrumentation, and inspirations for stories.2

Taldan opera

Taldan opera is among the oldest forms of opera in the Inner Sea region, but compared to other forms, its enjoyment is primarily associated with or limited to its upper classes. It is distinguished by its extreme extravagance, expense, and inaccessibility.2 Among the fans of Taldan operas are the gnome inhabitants of Wispil in the Verduran Forest,34 who converted a tavern into an impromptu public opera house where visitors are customarily expected to perform.4

Chelaxian opera

In the Inner Sea region, opera is most popular in Cheliax, and famous Chelaxian operas have been performed throughout the Inner Sea region.52 Chelaxian opera developed from Taldan traditions centuries ago, after Cheliax declared its independence from Taldor in 4081 AR, and the art became more populist and accessible as a direct response to Taldan excesses.2

Several forms of Chelaxian opera remain popular across the nation and in former Chelaxian territories.62

Elsewhere on Golarion

Comedic operas that skewer Cheliax are popular in Andoran.7

A form of opera known as Shu Opera has been performed in Shenmen8 as well at the Lantern Lodge in Absalom.9

Notable authors, composers, and directors

Notable performers

See also: Category:Opera singers

Notable venues

See also: Category:Opera houses

Absalom

Cheliax

Goka

Molthune

Ravounel

The Shackles

Taldor

Ustalav

Varisia

Notable works

See also: Category:Operas

As manifestations

Vocal and instrumental operatic music can be made manifest through animation, resulting in an invisible construct of pure sound known as an animate aria.55

References

Paizo published a Pathfinder Adventure Path about staging an opera in Ravounel titled Curtain Call.

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.

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