11.2: Operatic Terminology
- 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.
- Aria – a formal song in which characters expresses their emotions.
- Recitative – the plot-driving passages sung in a style designed to imitate and emphasize the inflections of speech.
Listen to the recitative “ Ch’io mi scordi di te ” from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart.
- Ensembles – duets, trios, other ensembles, and choruses.
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