Opera In 19th Century America

While opera had been thriving in Europe since its beginnings in the 16th century, 19th century America was still a relatively young, focusing its growth elsewhere. Musically, opera did not appeal to the common American, who was much more interested in simpler tastes. Interest in opera was mostly shared among the upper class elite, and due to the lack of a middle class, wasn’t largely established in the general public until the turn of the 20th century. Socioeconomic limitations reinforced the exclusivity of opera, with the wealthy, cultured, and political classes primarily in attendance. It wasn’t until 1825 that the first fully staged opera was performed in New York City. Ironically, though America being the self proclaimed most egalitarian