comic opera

noun
1.
a diverting opera with spoken dialogue and a happy ending.
2.
the tradition or genre of such operas.
Origin
1905-10

comic-opera

[kom-ik-op-er-uh, -op-ruh] /ˈkɒm ɪkˈɒp ər ə, -ˈɒp rə/
adjective
1.
comically vainglorious; having farcically self-important aspects:
a comic-opera army, proud in its ceremonial splendor but inept on the battlefield.
Examples from the web for comic opera
  • She is quite satisfied with her position of undoubted pre eminence in the field of comic opera.
British Dictionary definitions for comic opera

comic opera

noun
1.
a play largely set to music, employing comic effects or situations See also opéra bouffe, opera buffa
Encyclopedia Article for comic opera

general designation for musical plays with light subject matter and happy endings. The dialogue is usually spoken, rather than sung. In addition to operetta and musical comedy, types of comic opera include Italian opera buffa (which has sung dialogue), German Singspiel, English ballad opera, and Spanish tonadilla and zarzuela. The French opera-comique originated as comic opera but later dealt with serious subject matter.

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