Soubrette
Soubrette is a term to describe a leggiero soprano (aka coloratura soprano) in classical music. Earlier it was used in theater in the 19th century.
Soubrettes in theater
The term "soubrette" originated to name a sort of character in French comedy. It describes a comic female character who is young and girlish, constantly flirtatious, coquettish and gossipy, and usually a chambermaid.
Such characters appear in commedia dell'arte scenarios, often in the role of Columbina, where the actress would provide the details of her behavior and dialogue. From there, she moved to the works of Molière, known to be influenced by commedia; the role of Dorine in Tartuffe certainly fits the description. A more famous example, though a hundred years later, is the role of Suzanne in Beaumarchais' Le Mariage de Figaro. A modern example is Magda from Tanz der Vampire.
See also
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