operetta
Comic sung drama
An operetta is a short, light opera with spoken dialogue, simple melodies, and a humorous or romantic plot.
The form flourished in the late 19th century with composers like Gilbert and Sullivan and Johann Strauss.
Operettas are less demanding than grand opera, designed more for entertainment than artistic weight: The company staged a charming operetta.
Opera's written words
- scoreNumerical standing in competition
- ariaOperatic solo piece
- overtureIntroductory orchestral piece
- duetPiece for two
ensemble · recitative · coloratura · soprano · tenor · baritone · mezzo-soprano · orchestra
Outdoor romantic performance
- courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
- duetPiece for two
- lovesickPining from romantic longing
- sweetheartAffectionate name for beloved
flirtation · ardor · tryst · amour · rendezvous · elopement · suitor · betrothal
Victorian operetta collaborators
- OffenbachGerman-French operetta composer
- Johann StraussAustrian composer of waltzes
- The MikadoVictorian comic opera
- The Merry WidowLehár's celebrated stage work
HMS Pinafore · Pirates of Penzance · Savoy · Vienna · belle époque · vaudeville · musical theater
Raised performance platform
- costumesClothes for assuming roles
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
- prosceniumTheater's architectural frame
- auditoriumRoom for spectators
curtain call · box office · matinee · premiere · repertoire · touring company · scenery · footlights
Absurd, laughable situation
- satireMockery exposing vice
- parodySatirical imitation
- witClever, inventive humor
- buffooneryLudicrous or silly conduct
slapstick · patter · mistaken identity · disguise · scheming · comic relief · absurdity · lampoon
libretto
Opera's written words
duet · ensemble · recitative · coloratura · soprano · tenor · baritone · mezzo-soprano · orchestra · conductor
serenade
Outdoor romantic performance
sweetheart · flirtation · ardor · tryst · amour · rendezvous · elopement · suitor · betrothal · waltzing
Gilbert and Sullivan
Victorian operetta collaborators
- OffenbachGerman-French operetta composer
- Johann StraussAustrian composer of waltzes
- The MikadoVictorian comic opera
The Merry Widow · HMS Pinafore · Pirates of Penzance · Savoy · Vienna · belle époque · vaudeville · musical theater
stage
Raised performance platform
- costumesClothes for assuming roles
- choreographyDesigning performance movement sequences
- prosceniumTheater's architectural frame
auditorium · curtain call · box office · matinee · premiere · repertoire · touring company · scenery · footlights · greasepaint
farce
Absurd, laughable situation
buffoonery · slapstick · patter · mistaken identity · disguise · scheming · comic relief · absurdity · lampoon · caricature
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