light opera
Humorous sung drama
Light opera is a form of musical theater combining spoken dialogue with songs, typically featuring romantic plots and comic elements rather than the serious or tragic themes of grand opera.
The music is melodic and accessible, the staging less elaborate.
Gilbert and Sullivan's works are the classic English examples.
Also called operetta: We're going to see a light opera this weekend.
Victorian operetta collaborators
- OffenbachGerman-French operetta composer
- The MikadoVictorian comic opera
- HMS PinaforeBritish comic opera
- The Merry WidowLehár's celebrated stage work
Victorian operetta collaborators
- musical theatreStage art combining song, dialogue, dance
- BroadwayManhattan theatrical district
- show tunesSongs from stage musicals
- librettoOpera's written words
score · overture · finale · ensemble · chorus · costumes · staging · orchestra
Highest female voice range
- tenorEssential meaning or import
- baritoneMid-range male voice
- mezzo-sopranoMedium female singing voice
- ariaOperatic solo piece
duet · trio · quartet · coloratura · bel canto · recitative · vocalise · legato
Absurd, laughable situation
- witClever, inventive humor
- parodySatirical imitation
- slapstickExaggerated physical humor
- buffooneryLudicrous or silly conduct
satire · lampoon · burlesque · caricature · mockery · spoof · irony · comic timing
Two-singer romantic song
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- serenadeOutdoor romantic performance
- passionIntense emotional drive
- heartacheDeep emotional distress
tryst · lovers · elopement · reconciliation · ardor · yearning · infatuation · tenderness
Gilbert and Sullivan
Victorian operetta collaborators
- OffenbachGerman-French operetta composer
- The MikadoVictorian comic opera
- HMS PinaforeBritish comic opera
Gilbert and Sullivan
Victorian operetta collaborators
- musical theatreStage art combining song, dialogue, dance
- BroadwayManhattan theatrical district
- show tunesSongs from stage musicals
libretto · score · overture · finale · ensemble · chorus · costumes · staging · orchestra · conductor
soprano
Highest female voice range
- tenorEssential meaning or import
- baritoneMid-range male voice
- mezzo-sopranoMedium female singing voice
aria · duet · trio · quartet · coloratura · bel canto · recitative · vocalise · legato · diva
farce
Absurd, laughable situation
buffoonery · satire · lampoon · burlesque · caricature · mockery · spoof · irony · comic timing · pratfall
love duet
Two-singer romantic song
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- serenadeOutdoor romantic performance
- passionIntense emotional drive
heartache · tryst · lovers · elopement · reconciliation · ardor · yearning · infatuation · tenderness · flirtation
light, lightly, highlight, twilight, daylight, opera, lighter, flashlight, starlight