What is an opus in music?

An opus in music is a term used to describe a piece of music, typically composed by a single composer. The term is often used to refer to a composer's entire body of work, with each piece of music being given a specific opus number to differentiate it from others.

Opus numbers are generally assigned in the order that the pieces were composed, although this is not always the case. For example, some composers may retroactively assign opus numbers to pieces that were composed earlier in their career.

Opus numbers are most commonly used in classical music, with composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Schubert using them to organize their extensive repertoire. However, the use of opus numbers has decreased in popularity in more contemporary music, with many composers choosing not to assign them to their works.

Overall, an opus in music serves as a way to categorize and organize a composer's compositions, making it easier for musicians, scholars, and listeners to navigate their vast body of work.