Final answer:
Eighteenth-century Italian comic opera, known as opera buffa, was inspired by the improvisational and satirical style of commedia dell'arte, featuring relatable characters and humorous plotlines contrasting the serious opera seria.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eighteenth-century Italian comic opera was known as opera buffa. This form of opera emerged as a reaction to the more serious and aristocratic opera seria. The commedia dell'arte, with its stock characters and improvisational style, greatly influenced the development of opera buffa. In these comic operas, characters and scenarios often mirrored the mischief and social satires found in commedia dell'arte, involving humorous plotlines, typically revolving around clever servants outwitting their masters, amorous escapades, and mistaken identities. Unlike opera seria which focused on historical or mythological narratives, opera buffa presented everyday characters and situations, making it more relatable to general audiences.
Opera buffa showcased a lighter, more accessible musical style and allowed for the quick and witty delivery of lines, supporting the comedic nature of the performances. It became particularly popular across Europe and played a significant role in shaping Western operatic traditions, contributing to the lineage of theatrical performances and musical storytelling.