Final answer:
A melodrama is a type of music drama characterized by a stark contrast between good and evil characters, often enhanced by spectacles and music, epitomized by works like The Phantom of the Opera. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of music drama where the characters are clearly labeled as good or bad, often featuring a melodramatic style, is known as a melodrama.
Melodramas were extremely popular in the 19th century, often characterized by spectacles, a clear distinction between good and evil, and featuring stock characters thrust into dramatic situations that lead to a happy ending.
The term 'melodrama' comes from 19th-century France, denoting plays with songs and music that were specifically designed for entertainment purposes for the burgeoning middle class. Music plays a crucial role by enhancing the emotional experience of the play, often through leitmotifs that are associated with specific characters or themes.
The Phantom of the Opera is a prime example of a modern work derived from the melodramatic tradition, maintaining the clear distinction between heroes and villains while providing an immersive spectacle. The correct option is a.