Opera seria

Opera seria is an Italian musical term which refers to the noble and 'serious' style of Italian opera that predominated in Europe from the 1720s to ca 1770. The only popular rival to opera seria was opera buffa, the 'comic' opera that took its cue from the improvisatory commedia dell'arte.

Related Topics:
Opera - Opera buffa - Commedia dell'arte

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Italian opera seria (invariably to Italian librettos) was produced not only in Italy but also in Habsburg Austria, England, Dresden and other German states, even in Spain, and other countries. Only France had its own distinct operatic tradition.

Related Topics:
Libretto - Italy - Habsburg - Austria - England - Dresden - German states - Spain - France

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