In what century was opera accepted as a musical form?

Opera emerged as an accepted musical form in the 17th century, marked by its unique combination of music, drama, and staging. This period saw the creation of significant works that established the conventions and characteristics we associate with opera today. Composers like Claudio Monteverdi, who is often credited with writing some of the first operas, played a vital role in solidifying opera as a prominent art form, particularly with his work "L'Orfeo" in 1607. As a new genre, opera evolved from earlier musical traditions, but it fully developed and gained widespread acceptance in the 17th century, laying the foundation for future operatic compositions. This historical context highlights why identifying the 17th century as the period of opera's acceptance is accurate.