buffo

American  

[boo-foh, boof-faw] / ˈbu foʊ, ˈbuf fɔ /

noun

Music.

plural

buffi, buffos

1. (in opera) a comedy part, usually bass.

2. a male opera singer who specializes in comic roles.

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buffo British  

/ ˈbʊfəʊ, ˈbuffo /

noun

1. (in Italian opera of the 18th century) a comic part, esp one for a bass

2. Also called: buffo bass.   basso buffo.  a bass singer who performs such a part

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Etymology

Origin of buffo

1755–65; < Italian: ridiculous, comic actor who takes comic parts; back formation from buffone buffoon

Example Sentences

“To me, it’s the greatest of these buffo arias,” Colaneri said.

From New York Times • Jul. 17, 2022

Clarissa Lyons as Stonatrilla, the slightly over-the-hill prima donna, had an arresting, magisterial voice and presence; Kihun Yoon as Sospiro, the librettist, had a huge rich baritone and natural buffo flair.

From Washington Post • Jul. 17, 2016

As the music strikes up, and the book’s characters are introduced in comic buffo style, you wonder if you’re in for a meal of wise-ass lit-lampoonery.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 11, 2013

He is the one who has to put a show on the stage and placate a public that prefers buffo comedy and singers with good high C’s.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2011

Miolan-Carvalho in Faust—excellent singing—I now heard the tragediennes like Penco and Frezzolini and such men as Mario, Graziani, Delle Sedie, and the buffo Zucchini.

From My Recollections by Massenet, Jules