Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A secondary role in an opera or singing. A support singer or one who sings comprimario pieces.

Etymologies

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Support

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Examples

  • Stephanie Vlahos' staging was efficient and the performances she elicited effective, particularly from old pros at the LA Opera like Greg Fedderly, Cedric Berry, and Robin Buck, who traded in their usual comprimario assignments at LAO for the more prominent Magi roles here.

    Rodney Punt: Amahl and the Night Visitors From Intimate Opera of Pasadena Rodney Punt 2010

  • Some comprimario and secondo roles were doubled up: Vladimir Hristov was both a George Clooney-suave Marchese d'Obigny and a bland Dr. Grenvil; Giorgio Dinev, previously seen enjoyably blustering as Tosca's Spoletta, doddered formulaically as Violetta's servant, but had mischevious sparkle as Gastone — having introduced his friend Alfredo to Violetta, he worked the room, pointing out his handiwork to the other guests, a proud yenta.

    Pretty Woman Matthew Guerrieri 2008

  • Some comprimario and secondo roles were doubled up: Vladimir Hristov was both a George Clooney-suave Marchese d'Obigny and a bland Dr. Grenvil; Giorgio Dinev, previously seen enjoyably blustering as Tosca's Spoletta, doddered formulaically as Violetta's servant, but had mischevious sparkle as Gastone — having introduced his friend Alfredo to Violetta, he worked the room, pointing out his handiwork to the other guests, a proud yenta.

    Archive 2008-03-01 Matthew Guerrieri 2008

  • Stephanie Vlahos' staging was efficient and the performances she elicited effective, particularly from old pros at the LA Opera like Greg Fedderly, Cedric Berry, and Robin Buck, who traded in their usual comprimario assignments at LAO for the more prominent Magi roles here.

    Rodney Punt: Amahl and the Night Visitors From Intimate Opera of Pasadena Rodney Punt 2010

  • Then there's this one, from Tokyo in 1967, sung by two Italian basses of the second rank, Nicola Rossi-Lemeni (Philip) and Antonio Zerbini (who did mostly comprimario roles, small parts that need a good singer).

    Music For Two Old Men Arguing About Politics Jaime J. Weinman 2008

  • Then there's this one, from Tokyo in 1967, sung by two Italian basses of the second rank, Nicola Rossi-Lemeni (Philip) and Antonio Zerbini (who did mostly comprimario roles, small parts that need a good singer).

    Archive 2008-01-01 Jaime J. Weinman 2008

  • He may get the girl, but not before the comprimario has the chance to cause satisfying mayhem.

    NYT > Home Page By MARGALIT FOX 2011

  • Though comprimario roles are small, they are often - be they comic or sinister - plummier than principal parts.

    NYT > Home Page By MARGALIT FOX 2011

  • Mr. Franke was a comprimario - a character actor of the operatic world.

    NYT > Home Page By MARGALIT FOX 2011

  • Frankly I do not understand the reason for such splurge: one of these roles is a downright comprimario part, and two others don't have the music to make them stand out.

    parterre box Ercole Farnese 2010

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