British opera

British opera is opera which was composed either in Britain or by a composer of British nationality. Although not often granted masterpiece status (with the exception of Dido and Aeneas) in comparison to Italian or German opera, British opera is usually distinguished by beautiful music and formalized structure. Prominent British composers include Henry Purcell (the composer of Dido and Aeneas), Georg Friedrich Handel (though he was born in Germany, he spent his composing life in London), and in the 20th century Benjamin Britten who specialized in producing chamber operas.