The term “prima donna” originally referred to the lead female role in an opera, but has since taken on a negative connotation of selfishness and capriciousness. The male equivalent is “first man.” Despite this, many leading opera singers are kind and focused on their work. The term’s use has become rare due to its negative associations.
A prima donna is literally “first lady” in Italian, the woman who plays the lead role in an opera production. Over time, however, the term has taken on a more sinister meaning, referring to selfish, selfish, capricious women. In this sense, it is used a lot like “diva,” another word with operatic origins that has been used derogatorily, much to the chagrin of female performers, who tend to be extremely talented women who excel in the field of music.
The term originated in the mid-1600s, referring to the woman who plays the lead role in an opera. Many prima donnas were sopranos, historically, as leading roles are typically written for this voice, although some operas feature a leading contralto or mezzo-soprano. This interpreter typically had certain rights as the protagonist of the opera, such as her own dressing room and special attentions from the director and composer to ensure that she looked and performed at her best.
The male equivalent is a first man. Both men and women in these roles were often highly regarded by the rest of the opera company for their talent and contributions to the production, and this may have indirectly led to the modern sense of prima donna, as attention can go to the head of an artist. Over time, the term has come to be used to refer to people who are extremely difficult to work with, typically with high opinions of themselves that may not be shared by others.
The fact that this term originates in the music world is quite telling, as people in the arts are often assumed to be temperamental and tempestuous. Indeed, many of the leading opera singers are very kind, gentle and serious people who are extremely focused on their work. A true leading lady has little time to let loose and attract attention because she must constantly work on her voice and her acting skills to ensure she stays at the top of her field.
It’s a shame that prima donna has acquired such negative connotations, as the high, beautiful voices of women like Maria Callas, Renee Fleming, Renata Tebaldi, and Nellie Melba have captivated millions. Due to the negative associations with the term, its use has become increasingly rare in the opera world.
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