Opera is a theatrical art form that combines music, drama, costumes and scenery to tell a story. It originated in Italy in the late 16th century, when small groups would meet and develop musical dramas to perform. The first opera was "Euridice" in 1600, but Claudio Monteverdi's "Orfeo" in 1607 was particularly influential. Operas feature different musical elements like recitative to imitate speech and arias for characters to express emotions through melody. There are various types of opera including comic, serious, and grand opera.