How does opera buffa differ from opera seria?

Opera buffa stands out from opera seria primarily due to its inclusion of relatable middle-class characters, which is a defining characteristic of this comedic form. While opera seria often revolves around nobility and historical or mythological figures, showcasing serious themes and grand emotions, opera buffa focuses on everyday situations and realistic characters, thus providing humor and a commentary on societal norms. This accessibility makes opera buffa particularly engaging to audiences, as they can see aspects of their own lives reflected in the characters and stories being presented.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of what distinguishes opera buffa from opera seria. For instance, opera buffa does not necessarily feature more orchestral music compared to opera seria; both forms utilize orchestration but serve different narrative purposes. Furthermore, while opera seria indeed features historical figures, it is the relatability of characters in opera buffa that highlights its comedic aspects. Performance duration can vary, but there is no inherent rule making one form longer than the other, as both can be structured differently depending on the specific work. Therefore, the focus on middle-class characters in opera buffa is what truly sets it apart.