Final answer:
The notion that Classical-era operas were intended to reflect realistic events is false. Operas from that period emphasized stylized performances and heightened realism rather than strict adherence to reality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Classical-era operas, especially comic operas, were written with the intent to portray events realistically is false. During the Classical era, operas were shaped by the conventions and tastes of their time, which often included stylized and dramatized performances rather than strict realism. Comic operas, or operas buffa, employed exaggerated characters and improbable situations to create humor. While the idea of realism would gain prominence later, particularly in the 19th-century theatrical works of the Realism movement, earlier operas were not bound by the same conventions. Instead, they aimed to entertain and engage audiences through elaborate music, dynamic performances, and often larger-than-life storytelling.
Heightened Realism often characterized these performances, where the play is mostly recognizable as reality but contains certain elements that are far-fetched or exaggerated. This dramatic style can be seen particularly in melodramas and vaudevilles that thrived on hyperbole to communicate their stories and engage audiences.