Aria is a term that is commonly used in music and literature. It is a word that is often associated with beauty, grace, and elegance. However, the meaning of aria is not always clear to everyone. This article will explore the definition and meaning of aria, as well as its origin, associations, and synonyms.
Definitions
An aria is a musical piece that is sung by a soloist in an opera, oratorio, or cantata. It is typically a lyrical and expressive piece that showcases the singer’s vocal range and emotional depth. In literature, an aria can refer to a poetic or lyrical passage that is particularly expressive or emotional.
Origin
The word aria comes from the Italian word “aria,” which means “air” or “melody.” It was first used in the context of opera in the 17th century, when composers began to write solo pieces for singers that were more complex and expressive than the simple songs of earlier times.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an aria is “an elaborate melody sung solo with accompaniment, as in an opera or oratorio.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a self-contained piece for solo voice with instrumental accompaniment, usually in an opera or oratorio.”
Associations
Aria is often associated with beauty, grace, and elegance. It is also associated with the opera, which is often seen as a high art form that requires great skill and talent to perform.
Synonyms
Synonyms for aria include solo, song, melody, tune, and ballad.
Antonyms
Antonyms for aria include chorus, ensemble, and group performance.
The same root words
The word aria is related to the Italian words “arietta” (a small aria) and “arioso” (a style of singing that is more melodic than recitative but less formal than an aria).
Example Sentences
- The soprano sang a beautiful aria from Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.”
- The poet’s words were like an aria, full of emotion and beauty.
- The audience was moved to tears by the tenor’s performance of the aria “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot.”
- The composer wrote an aria for the soprano that showcased her vocal range and emotional depth.
- The aria was the highlight of the opera, and the audience gave the singer a standing ovation.