Opera Buffa
/ˈɔː.pe.ra ˈbuf.fa/noun
An Italian genre of comic opera, typically featuring lively plots, everyday characters, and humorous situations.
Did you know?Opera buffa helped elevate servants, shopkeepers, and other everyday figures into dramatic heroes, challenging the aristocratic focus of earlier serious opera.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₃ep-
“A reconstructed root associated with working, producing, or possessing resources.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
opus
“Work, labor, deed, or artistic production.”
Classical Latin
Latin
opera
“Works or services; the plural of opus, later used for artistic works.”
16th Century
Italian
opera
“A staged musical work combining singing, instrumental music, and drama.”
18th Century
Italian
buffo / buffa
“Comic or humorous; buffa is the feminine form agreeing with opera.”
1730s
Italian
opera buffa
“Comic opera as a recognized genre, popularized by works such as Pergolesi’s La serva padrona.”
Modern English
English
opera buffa
“The Italian tradition or style of comic opera.”