Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Objects Facet
3. Visual and Verbal Communication (hierarchy name)
4. Literary and Performing Arts Works (hierarchy name)
5. musical compositions
6. operas (musical compositions)
7. comic operas

Anotations

Scope note:

French operas in which spoken dialogue alternates with self-contained musical numbers. The earliest examples of opéra-comique were satiric comedies with interpolated songs, but the form later developed into serious musical drama distinguished from other opera only by its spoken dialogue. The opéra-comique developed in the early 18th century out of the comédies de vaudeville, farcical entertainments performed at fairs.