Prima donna (English spelling) prima donna [Italy]

Japanese: プリマ･ドンナ（英語表記）prima donna[イタリア]

The word means "first woman" and refers to the leading female singer in an opera. In 18th-century opera, the contrast between the prima donna and the seconda donna (second woman) was important as a basic role setting. In contrast, the leading male singer was called primo uomo. As vocal techniques developed, the term prima donna also came to refer to a talented and famous female vocalist. [Igata Chizuru]

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

〈第一の女性〉の意で，オペラの主役女性歌手を指す。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。【井形ちづる】

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

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