G. Schirmer 24 Italian Songs And Arias For Medium High Voice Book Only Musician's Friend

Cover Five Operatic Arias by Francesco Cavalli / vysoký hlas a klavír eNoty.eu (1508x2062)

Table of Contents

1. What is an Aria?
2. What are the Characteristics of an Aria?
3. What are Some Famous Arias?
4. What is the Difference Between an Aria and a Recitative?
5. What are Some Examples of Arias in Opera?

What is an Aria?

An aria is a solo vocal piece in an opera or oratorio that is typically accompanied by an orchestra or piano. It is a showcase for the singer’s voice and musical abilities, and is usually one of the most memorable and emotional moments in the music. Arias are often used to express the character’s emotions, thoughts, or feelings, and can be either joyful, sad, or dramatic.

History of Arias

The aria has been a central element of opera since its inception in the 16th century, and was originally used as a way to showcase the virtuosity of the singer. Over time, the aria evolved to become a more expressive and emotional form of music, with composers using it to convey the inner thoughts and feelings of the character.

Types of Arias

There are several different types of arias, including:

• Da capo aria: This is a type of aria that has three sections, with the third section being a repeat of the first section with embellishments.
• Aria di bravura: This is a type of aria that is technically demanding and showcases the singer’s virtuosity.
• Aria di portamento: This is a type of aria that features a slow and sustained vocal line.
• Aria parlante: This is a type of aria that is sung in a speech-like style.

What are the Characteristics of an Aria?

The characteristics of an aria include:

• It is a solo vocal piece that is accompanied by an orchestra or piano.
• It is a showcase for the singer’s voice and musical abilities.
• It is often used to express the character’s emotions, thoughts, or feelings.
• It can be either joyful, sad, or dramatic.
• It can be technically demanding and showcase the singer’s virtuosity.
• It can feature a slow and sustained vocal line, or be sung in a speech-like style.

What are Some Famous Arias?

Some famous arias include:

• "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini’s Turandot
• "La donna è mobile" from Verdi’s Rigoletto
• "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi
• "Largo al factotum" from Rossini’s The Barber of Seville
• "Una Furtiva Lagrima" from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore

What is the Difference Between an Aria and a Recitative?

The main difference between an aria and a recitative is that an aria is a solo vocal piece that is accompanied by an orchestra or piano and is typically more melodic and expressive, while a recitative is a type of singing that is closer to speech and is used to move the plot forward in an opera or oratorio. Recitatives are usually accompanied by a harpsichord or piano and are less melodic and expressive than arias.

What are Some Examples of Arias in Opera?

Some examples of arias in opera include:

• "La donna è mobile" from Verdi’s Rigoletto
• "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini’s Turandot
• "Una Furtiva Lagrima" from Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore
• "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi
• "Largo al factotum" from Rossini’s The Barber of Seville

Conclusion

Arias are an essential part of opera and oratorio, and have been used for centuries to showcase the singer’s voice and musical abilities, as well as to express the character’s emotions, thoughts, or feelings. They can be joyful, sad, or dramatic, and come in various types like the da capo aria, aria di bravura, aria di portamento, and aria parlante. Some famous arias include "Nessun Dorma," "La donna è mobile," "O mio babbino caro," "Largo al factotum," and "Una Furtiva Lagrima." The difference between an aria and a recitative is that an aria is more melodic and expressive, while a recitative is closer to speech and is used to move the plot forward. Overall, arias are a beautiful and emotional form of music that continue to captivate audiences around the world.