What does 'opera buffa' refer to?

Opera buffa refers to a genre of comic opera that emerged in Italy during the 18th century. This type of opera is characterized by its light-hearted and humorous themes, often involving everyday characters and situations, contrasting with more serious forms of opera that focus on tragic or heroic themes.

The comedic nature of opera buffa allows for a variety of comedic elements, including misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and social satire. Typically, the music is lively and features engaging arias, duets, and ensemble numbers that enhance the comedic situations. This genre became particularly popular alongside opera seria, the more serious counterpart, highlighting the cultural shift towards entertainment and relatability in the operatic form.

In contrast, tragic opera focuses on dramatic and serious narratives, while serious opera often encompasses a range of themes but does not specifically identify as light-hearted or humorous. Classical opera is a broader term that may include both comic and serious elements depending on the specific work. Overall, the defining characteristic of opera buffa is its focus on comedy.