Final answer:
The statement that the merchant class was critical to the success of opera buffa during the Classical era is true (a). This class's socioeconomic rise led to a shift in cultural tastes towards more relatable and entertaining forms of opera, which opera buffa provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that the merchant class was critical to the success of the opera buffa style in the Classical era is true. The rise of the merchant class and the urban wealthy in Europe, especially in Northern and Central Italy, had a significant influence on cultural productions of the time, including opera. The new affluent class, having garnered wealth through trade and financial acumen as the aristocracy declined, sought cultural products that reflected their tastes and experiences rather than the elitist and often inaccessible subjects of classic tragedies.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, changes in society demanded different forms of cultural expression. Opera buffa, which is a humorous and light form of opera, appealed to this class's desire for more accessible, entertaining content. The style relied less on the stories of nobles and more on the everyday life of common people. This preference directly contributed to the popularity and proliferation of opera buffa, as this class became an important source of patronage for the arts, separate from the traditional aristocratic support.
The rise of the middle class also facilitated a shift in musical demand and performance styles, which ultimately influenced the nature of entertainment and the arts. The increased economic power of this class made their taste in entertainment a driving cultural force, further cementing opera buffa's position in the spotlight of the Classical era's musical stage.