What was one of the original purposes of opera?

One of the original purposes of opera was to recreate an ancient Greek practice. The roots of opera can be traced back to the Renaissance, when composers and intellectuals sought to revive the cultural elements of ancient Greece, particularly in the realm of drama and music. They were influenced by the idea that Greek theater combined music, poetry, and performance in a way that created a cohesive artistic expression. This revival involved the fusion of various art forms into a new genre that aimed to capture the emotional depth and grandeur of Greek tragedies, which were known for their dramatic storytelling and musical components.

The other options reflect important aspects of opera's evolution and significance over time, such as its role in aristocratic entertainment and the development of musical forms, but the initial impetus was indeed centered around recreating the theatrical and musical traditions of ancient Greece.