Aria
Overview
An aria in music was originally any expressive melody
, usually, but not always, performed by a singer. The term is now used almost exclusively to describe a self-contained piece for one voice usually with orchestra
l accompaniment
. Perhaps the most common context for arias is opera
, although there are many arias that form movements of oratorio
s and cantata
s. Composers also wrote concert aria
s, which are not part of any larger work, such as "Ah perfido" by Beethoven
, and a number of concert arias by Mozart
, such as "Conservati fedele
".
The aria first appeared in the 14th century when it signified a manner or style of singing or playing.
Melody
A melody , also tune, voice, or line, is a linear succession of musical tones which is perceived as a single entity...
, usually, but not always, performed by a singer. The term is now used almost exclusively to describe a self-contained piece for one voice usually with orchestra
Orchestra
An orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus...
l accompaniment
Accompaniment
In music, accompaniment is the art of playing along with an instrumental or vocal soloist or ensemble, often known as the lead, in a supporting manner...
. Perhaps the most common context for arias is opera
Opera
Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, and costumes and sometimes includes dance...
, although there are many arias that form movements of oratorio
Oratorio
An oratorio is a large musical composition including an orchestra, a choir, and soloists. Like an opera, an oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias...
s and cantata
Cantata
A cantata is a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment, typically in several movements, often involving a choir....
s. Composers also wrote concert aria
Concert Aria
A concert aria is normally a free-standing aria or opera-like scene composed for singer and orchestra, written specifically for performance in concert rather than as part of an opera...
s, which are not part of any larger work, such as "Ah perfido" by Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of...
, and a number of concert arias by Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , baptismal name Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart , was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era. He composed over 600 works, many acknowledged as pinnacles of symphonic, concertante, chamber, piano, operatic, and choral music...
, such as "Conservati fedele
Conservati fedele
"Conservati fedele" is a concert aria for soprano and orchestra by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.-History:Mozart composed the aria in October 1765 while staying at The Hague during the family's British-European tour, when he was nine years old. Both of the Mozart children, Wolfgang and his sister...
".
The aria first appeared in the 14th century when it signified a manner or style of singing or playing.
