Opera Seria and Opera Buffa

Question 1

What is opera seria?

Answer 1

The dominant Italian opera style of the 18C, which typically covers historical or heroic topics and led to the creation of two famous opera singing voices – prima donna (leading lady) and castrato (male hero).

Question 2

Why was opera seria popular among nobility?

Answer 2

The nobility enjoyed seeing their (perceived) heroic stature reflected in the characters on stage.

Question 3

Where did opera buffa originate?

Answer 3

As a one act comedic section of an opera seria that was used to bring some light relief to the tragic operas.

Question 4

What is a typical opera buffa plot?

Answer 4

Revolves around a pair of lovers whose attempts to marry are, at least initially, opposed by one or more characters but eventually succeed.

Question 5

What is the main difference between seria and buffa?

Answer 5

Seria deals with kings, gods, and ancient heroes, whereas buffa involves everyday people in contemporary settings.

Question 6

What is a common structural difference between seria and buffa?

Answer 6

Seria usually has 3 acts, whereas buffa usually has 2.

Question 7

Why was academic language avoided in buffa?

Answer 7

In favour of dialogue that the lower class would relate to and would often be performed in the local dialect.

Question 8

What does opera buffa reflect?

Answer 8

The breaking down of social barriers in response to the rise of the middle class, displaying an inherent awareness of the social climate in which it arose.