opera buffa

[ op-er-uh boo-fuh, op-ruh; Italian aw-pe-rah boof-fah ]

noun

, plural o·pe·ra buf·fas, o·pe·ras buf·fa, Italian o·pe·re buf·fe [aw, -pe-, r, e , boof, -fe].

1. an Italian farcical comic opera originating in the 18th century and containing recitativo secco, patter songs, and ensemble finales.
2. the operatic genre comprising such works.

opera buffa

/ ˈbuːfə; ˈopera ˈbuffa /

noun

1. comic opera, esp that originating in Italy during the 18th century

Word History and Origins

Origin of opera buffa¹

Borrowed into English from Italian around 1795–1805

Word History and Origins

Origin of opera buffa¹

from Italian: comic opera

Example Sentences

It was said of the performers that Rossi and Rosa Manservisi were specially suited for opera buffa.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

There is no doubt that this external subordination was of inestimable value to the development of the opera buffa.

From Project Gutenberg

The majority of dramatic composers have tried their hand at opera buffa; besides Nic.

From Project Gutenberg

As you know, in summer and autumn there is an opera buffa to be picked up here and there, which will do to keep one's hand in.

From Project Gutenberg