Wiktionary
comprimario
n. A secondary role in an opera or singing. A support singer or one who sings comprimario pieces.
Wikipedia
Comprimario
A comprimario is a supporting role in an opera. Derived from the Italian "con primario", or "with the primary", the term refers to a performer who sings small role pieces.
Many singers began their careers as comprimario singers; some have made a career out of singing such parts. Among these latter are singers such as Anthony Laciura, Jean Kraft, Nico Castel and Charles Anthony of the Metropolitan Opera.
Category:Italian opera terminology