...English with their definition of opera, one to which in his Dictionary Samuel Johnson will later defer: An Opera is a poetical Tale or Fiction, represented by Vocal and Instrumental Musick, adorn'd with Scenes, Machines and Dancing. The suppos'd Persons of this musical Drama, are...

...then reached London. Dryden gives a useful description of opera as understood in his day. He says: 'An Opera is a poetical tale or fiction, represented by vocal and instrumental music, adorned with scenes, machines, and dancing. The supposed persons of this musical drama are generally...