Why were the English initially opposed to the idea of opera?

The English were initially opposed to the idea of opera largely because there was a long tradition of spoken theater in England. This established theatrical tradition, with its own methods of storytelling, dramatic structure, and cultural significance, made the introduction of a new form of entertainment like opera—a genre that combines music, drama, and spectacle—seem unnecessary or even disruptive to those accustomed to the spoken word. The English theatrical scene had flourished with the works of playwrights such as Shakespeare, which emphasized dialogue and performance without the necessity of musical accompaniment, creating resistance to a form that relied heavily on music for its narrative function.

While it is true that some individuals preferred instrumental music or viewed opera as foreign, these sentiments were secondary to the deep cultural roots of spoken theater that shaped English attitudes towards opera at the time. Additionally, the association of opera with aristocratic privileges did play a role in its perception, but the primary reason for the initial opposition was the long-standing appreciation for traditional spoken drama in England.