11.3: Operatic Terminology
- Page ID
- 72423
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- Libretto – the words of an opera. Some composers wrote their own librettos; some collaborated with their librettists.
- Orchestral overture – an instrumental opening to most of the operas. Some overtures are based on melodies from the arias.
Listen: Overture
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- Aria – a formal song in which characters expresses their emotions.
Listen: Aria
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- Recitative – the plot-driving passages sung in a style designed to imitate and emphasize the inflections of speech.
Listen: Recitative
Listen to the recitative “Ch’io mi scordi di te” from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart.
- Ensembles – duets, trios, other ensembles, and choruses.
Listen: Chorus
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Contributors and Attributions
All rights reserved content
- Gluck Overture to Iphigenie en Aulide. Authored by: mvvm18. Located at: https://youtu.be/ctko9P6IaMM. License: All Rights Reserved. License Terms: Standard YouTube License
- The Barber of Seville - Figaro's Aria. Authored by: Gioreto1. Located at: https://youtu.be/7qHZkkgowdY. License: All Rights Reserved. License Terms: Standard YouTube License
- Verdi: La Traviata - III.Act - Gypsy and Picadors Chorus Noi siamo zingarelle. Authored by: Kanu00e1l uu017eivatele AchillesValda. Located at: https://youtu.be/c3bHC8B5o-k. License: All Rights Reserved. License Terms: Standard YouTube License