Which type of comic opera is The Marriage of Figaro?

The Marriage of Figaro is categorized as an opera buffa, a genre of comic opera that originated in 18th-century Italy.12

While it is rooted in the traditions of opera buffa, the work is often described as a hybrid genre. As the comic opera form matured, it began to incorporate more earnest emotional qualities and "serious" roles alongside the comic ones. This development resulted in a more complex, mixed genre that moved beyond the standard conventions of typical Italian opere buffe. Mozart’s score, particularly through its sophisticated ensemble writing and deep character development, adds a level of seriousness and dramatic depth that distinguishes The Marriage of Figaro from the generality of the genre.34