Opera Seria is a genre of Italian opera that emerged in the late 17th century and flourished throughout the 18th century. It is characterized by its serious themes, often drawn from mythology or history, and features noble characters facing moral dilemmas. The music is typically structured with arias and recitatives, emphasizing vocal virtuosity. The genre was popularized by composers like George Frideric Handel and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Opera Seria often included elaborate staging and costumes, aiming to evoke emotional responses from the audience. It played a significant role in the development of opera as a respected art form.