A political drama centred around power struggles and jealousies; Aida tells the tale of an Ethiopian princess (Aida) who has been kidnapped in Egypt. She falls in love with General Radames who has been chosen to lead a war with Ethiopia, and the opera follows the conflict of Aida's love for the General and her country.

Fidelio by Beethoven is about a woman named Leonore who disguises herself as a man named Fidelio to rescue her husband, Florestan, from his political rival, Don Pizarro. The opera is set in 18th century Seville during the political upheaval following the French Revolution.

Le Nozze di Figaro, also known as The Marriage of Figaro, is an opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart about two servants who try to outwit their employer, Count Almaviva, and teach him a lesson in fidelity. The opera is set in a manor house in 1930s Seville and is based on the 1784 stage comedy The Mad Day by Pierre Beaumarchais.

Richard Strauss's Salome is an opera about the martyrdom of John the Baptist, based on a biblical story about a young princess of Judea who dances for her stepfather, Herod, and demands his head as the reward. The opera's score combines the grandeur of Wagner's epics with the focus of Italian verismo operas.

Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) is an opera by Rossini that follows Figaro, a barber, as he helps Count Almaviva rescue Rosina from her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. The opera is set in 18th-century Seville and features soaring lyricism, subtle characterizations, and hummable melodies.