Arias

An aria is a self-contained piece for a single vocal line, typically with orchestral accompaniment, that appears in opera, oratorio, cantata, and some musical theater. Aria is primarily a vehicle for expressing a character’s emotions or thoughts, in contrast to the declamatory style of recitative used to advance plot. The form originated in early 17th-century Italian opera and became a central feature of Baroque opera, later evolving through the Classical and Romantic eras and into modern works.

The development of the aria is linked to the shift from speechlike recitative to more melodic singing. Early arias often served as standalone songs inserted between recitatives. A key Baroque type is the da capo aria, usually structured in ABA form, where the A section returns after a contrasting B section with ornamentation. This pattern, common in composers such as Handel and Vivaldi, dominated much of the period and provided opportunities for virtuosic display.

Aria forms vary widely. Cantabile and lyric arias emphasize smooth, expressive singing, while bravura or coloratura arias highlight technical agility. Some arias are through-composed, with continuous music and evolving drama, while others adhere to a simple or da capo structure. Instrumentation ranges from continuo and small ensembles in the early era to full orchestral accompaniment in later works.

Function within drama: arias are typically more structured and emotionally expansive than recitative, allowing characters to reveal inner states. In later operas, composers often integrated arias more closely with drama, ensembles, and orchestration. Today, standalone arias from operas and oratorios remain core repertoire in concert and recital programs.