opera terms

Question 1

libretto

Answer 1

• the text of an opera, oratorio or cantata
• usually written by someone other than the composer

Question 2

aria

Answer 2

• Italian for “air”
• a solo song with accompaniment, heard in an opera, oratorio or cantata
• highly emotional and often virtuosic
• may have lyrical or dramatic qualities
• often serves to reveal the character’s most intimate emotions

Question 3

recitative

Answer 3

• a speech-like style of singing used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas
• follows inflections of the text, resulting in rhythmic flexibility
• usually used to advance the plot or storyline
• moves through text quickly

Question 4

ostinato

Answer 4

• Italian for “obstinate” or “persistent”
• a rhythmic or melodic patterns repeated for an extended period

Question 5

habanera

Answer 5

• Cuban dance-song
• characteristic rhythmic motive, often used as an ostinato