I wrote myself a paper for an appreciation elective course on the opera "Turandot". For reference

I think both musicals and operas include the art of vocal singing. Musical theater focuses on performance. It is a comprehensive art composed of vocal music, dance, stage art, scripts, etc. Singing plays a major role in opera. Although it also has dramatic conflict performances in the script, people will appreciate a wonderful performance. People go to musicals for performances rather than operas just to enjoy the performances.

Musicals are not just performances accompanied by music. Many of the songs in musicals are not solos. The songs in musicals are shorter, simpler, and easy to sing. People can sing these songs while walking or taking a bath. Opera, on the other hand, relies on solo arias to lead the way. The aria accompanies every dramatic turn and brings the play to a climax. In the opera "Turandot", Turandot, who wants to avenge her ancestors who were tortured and ran away in the dark, uses the soprano singing method and the tenor singing method of Calaf, the Tartar prince. The two interpret a poignant and moving love story. It is precisely because Turandot always maintains an elegant and noble manner to live, love and die, and marries the Tartar prince, and finally presents a perfect ending. The play is accompanied by a symphony orchestra and the singing is vividly reflected. This is different compared to a musical. In musicals, the scene where the protagonist bids farewell to his lover can be a messy market or even a garbage dump, and they must be exhausted and haggard. Although songs in musicals are more likely to be independent from the entire play, these songs themselves may not necessarily meet the needs of plot development, which requires actors to use dance or other performances to enhance the atmosphere and drive the plot to a climax.

Opera expresses human nature, extracts the essence of emotion, and despises the little wisdom in daily life. The villains in the play are portrayed as heinous villains, while the heroes are brave and fearless. The male and female protagonists in the musical are more humane. They do not pursue excellence or excellence, nor are they ambitious. The musical praises ordinary people who pursue romantic happiness in ordinary lives. As a result, musicals are considered mediocre creations. The above is the general difference between musicals and operas that I have learned. Please give your comments.

By studying the course "Music Appreciation", I gained not only a deep understanding of music knowledge, but also a deeper spiritual feeling that music brings to us. I have benefited a lot from this short period of study. Because of the teacher’s in-depth guidance and careful teaching, I have developed a strong feeling for art, especially music. I think I will definitely cherish this wonderful learning time in the future, because having the teacher by my side will make it unforgettable for me.