Question

which phrase best describes opera seria?

an italian comic opera
a serious or tragic opera where arias and recitatives alternated in predictable ways
a tragic opera with the text set entirely to music
a serious or tragic opera that utilized speaking roles instead of recitative

Explanation:

Opera seria is a serious or tragic opera. In it, arias (solo vocal pieces) and recitatives (musically declaimed speech) alternate in a predictable way. Italian comic opera is a different genre. An opera with text set entirely to music is not specifically opera seria. And opera seria uses recitative, not speaking roles.

Answer:

a serious or tragic opera where arias and recitatives alternated in predictable ways