primo uomo (English spelling) primouomo

In the 18th century, the prima donna was a female singer with a strong reputation as a singer of high caliber. She was the first to be called a "prima donna" (second woman), and the second woman was the second female singer. The male lead singer was called a "primo uomo". As vocal techniques developed, the term "prima donna" also came to refer to a female singer of high caliber.

*Some of the terminology explanations that mention "primo uomo" are listed below.

Source | Heibonsha World Encyclopedia 2nd Edition | Information

…18世紀のオペラでは基本的な役柄設定としてプリマ･ドンナとセコンダ･ドンナseconda donna(第二の女性)の対比が重要であった。これに対し主役男性歌手はプリモ･ウオーモprimo uomoと呼ばれる。声楽技法の発展に伴ってプリマ･ドンナは，優秀な名声ある女流声楽家をも指すようになった。…

※「primo uomo」について言及している用語解説の一部を掲載しています。

出典｜株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典 第２版について | 情報