opera seria

[ op-er-uh seer-ee-uh, op-ruh; Italian aw-pe-rah se-ryah ]

noun

, plural o·pe·ra se·rias, o·pe·ras se·ria, Italian o·pe·re se·rie [aw, -pe-, r, e , se, -, r, ye].

1. Italian dramatic opera of the 18th century based typically on a classical subject and characterized by extensive use of the aria da capo and recitative.

opera seria

/ ˈsɪərɪə; ˈopera ˈsɛːrja /

noun

1. a type of opera current in 18th-century Italy based on a serious plot, esp a mythological tale

Word History and Origins

Origin of opera seria¹

1875–80; < Italian: literally, serious opera

Word History and Origins

Origin of opera seria¹

from Italian: serious opera

Example Sentences

They do not essentially differ from the style of the Italian opera seria of the time.

From Project Gutenberg

The strict line of demarcation between opera seria and buffa did not exist in Paris.

From Project Gutenberg

We find none of the set forms of the later opera seria, no regular arie, no duets, no ensembles.

From Project Gutenberg

This opera comes in all respects within the rules of the existing opera seria.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the independent opera buffa preserved much of this parodying reference to the opera seria.

From Project Gutenberg