What is basso opera?

Basso opera, also known as opera seria, is a type of Italian opera that was popular in the 18th century. It typically features heroic characters, elaborate vocal ornamentation, and complex musical arrangements. The music is typically performed by a bass singer, who often plays the role of the villain or antagonist. Basso opera was known for its highly stylized approach to storytelling, often featuring mythological or historical subjects and highly structured narrative forms. Despite its popularity in its time, basso opera fell out of favor in the 19th century, when more realistic and emotionally expressive styles of opera became more popular. However, it remains an important part of the history of Italian opera and a valuable source of musical inspiration for contemporary opera composers and performers.