The  birth  of  opera  was  almost  accidental , beginning  in  Florence,  Italy  at  the  end  of  the  16th  century ,  when  a  group  of  prominent  Italian composers,  poets,  scholars  and  intellectuals  called  the  Camerata  was  formed .  This  group ,  inspired  by  the  ideals  of  the  Renaissance,  sought  to  revive  ancient  Greek  drama,  which  they  believed  may  have  been  partially  sung. Based on older traditions of medieval and Renaissance courtly entertainment the art form Opera was first used in the modern musical and theatrical sense from the early seventeen century on and soon spread to the other European countries and languages.