aria
(AR-ree-uh)


[It., air]

Originally an air; a song; a tune; sung by a single voice with or without accompaniment. Now taken to mean a lyric song for solo voice generally having two contrasting parts (I and II), ending with a literal or elaborated repeat of part I. The aria first developed into this form in the early operas; the arias found in an opera, cantata or oratorio usually express intense emotion.

SUGGESTED LISTENING EXAMPLES:

Aria, Baroque:
Handel: Messiah, No. 9, "O thou that tellest"
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 55

Aria, Classical:
Mozart: The Magic Flute, Act II, "Oh Isis and Osiris"
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 58

Aria, Romantic:
Bizet: Carmen, "Habanera"
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 54
Verdi: Rigoletto, "La donna è mobile"
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 56

Aria, Post-Romantic:
Puccini: Gianni Schicchi, "O mio babbino caro"
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 1, Track 53
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