Works and plays to music (5)

I believe the answer is:

opera

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'to music' is the definition.
(opera is a kind of music)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for opera that I've seen before include "Lulu, say" , "Music and drama production" , "Musical extravaganza" , "Throw a rope for this show" , "Patience, perhaps" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Telegraph.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app