How Do You Spell BASSO BUFFO?

Pronunciation: [bˈasə͡ʊ bˈʌfə͡ʊ] (IPA)

The spelling of "basso buffo" is a combination of Italian and musical terminology. "Basso" is an Italian word meaning "low," while "buffo" means "comic" or "jester." Together, they refer to a basso singer who performs comedic roles in operas. The word is pronounced as /ˈbaso ˈbʊfo/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "a" in "basso" is pronounced as "ahh," the "o" in "buffo" is pronounced as "uhh," and the stress falls on the first syllable in both words.

BASSO BUFFO Meaning and Definition

1. Basso buffo, pronounced "BAH-soh BOO-foh," is an Italian term used in opera and classical music to describe a particular type of male singing voice characterized by its comedic or humorous nature. Basso buffo translates to "funny bass" or "comic bass" in English.

   In terms of vocal range, a basso buffo typically belongs to the low register of the male voice, with a powerful and resonant tone. However, the distinguishing feature of this voice type lies in its ability to deliver comedic roles with exaggerated facial expressions, gestures, and vocal inflections to elicit laughter from the audience. Basso buffo singers are skilled at injecting humor into their performances through musical phrasing and subtle nuances in their vocal delivery.

   The roles and characters played by a basso buffo often include comical servants, bumbling sidekicks, or the eccentric old man archetype. Their performances are marked by an abundance of comedic timing, agility, and a talent for physical comedy. Basso buffos are also known for their improvisational skills, spontaneously adding amusing ad-libs or witty remarks to enhance the comedic effect.

   Many renowned opera composers, such as Mozart and Rossini, have composed roles specifically for basso buffo singers. These characters often serve as a source of comic relief within the dramatic context of an opera. The basso buffo voice type remains an integral part of the operatic tradition, adding an entertaining and whimsical element to performances.

Common Misspellings for BASSO BUFFO

• vasso buffo
• nasso buffo
• hasso buffo
• gasso buffo
• bzsso buffo
• bssso buffo
• bwsso buffo
• bqsso buffo
• baaso buffo
• bazso buffo
• baxso buffo
• badso buffo
• baeso buffo
• bawso buffo
• basao buffo
• baszo buffo
• basxo buffo
• basdo buffo
• baseo buffo
• baswo buffo

Etymology of BASSO BUFFO

The etymology of the term "basso buffo" can be traced back to the Italian language.

"Basso" means "low" or "bass" in Italian, referring to the vocal range of a singer.

"Buffo" means "funny" or "comic" in Italian. It is derived from the Latin word "buffare", which means "to puff" or "to snort", reflecting the exaggerated humorous style associated with this type of singing.

Therefore, "basso buffo" can be translated as "funny bass" or "comic bass" in English. It is commonly used to describe a bass singer who specializes in comedic or character roles in opera or other vocal performances.

Plural form of BASSO BUFFO is BASSO BUFFOS