In the mid-18th century in Italy, opera buffa grew out of the comic intermezzo performed as filler between the acts of the primary, dramatic opera. Eventually, these intermezzo pieces joined and became the two-act comedy opera known today, the opera buffa.
From Gods to Barbers
Story lines for serious opera at the time typically featured gods, heroes, and exaggerated personalities crafted to please the upper class. Opera buffa presented plot lines that dealt with common situation and did not gloss over character flaws or unsavory situations such as adultery.
Characters were of a type and featured roles typical of those of the popular in improvisational theater of the time. Through opera buffa, conniving spinsters, and stingy old men often found their way onto the Italian stage.
Everyday situations on stage
In keeping with the depiction of everyday occurrences and emotions, opera buffa was written in a language the common people could understand. The less contrived dialogue helped to propel opera buffa into the spotlight, making it the most popular form of opera in the late 1700s.
The style and tone of voice also differed from opera seria. Voices used for serious opera performances were very high, consisting primarily of sopranos and castrati, while opera buffa used the deep, low-voiced basso buffo for the central character. His arias were often performed in a very rapid patter with lots of peaks and valleys.