Music is a universal language that touches the hearts of people from all walks of life. It has the power to express emotions and convey messages without the need for words. One of the many musical terms that are often used in classical music is arioso. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and origin of arioso.
Definitions
Arioso is a musical term that refers to a style of singing that is somewhere between recitative and aria. It is a type of solo vocal music that is accompanied by an instrumental ensemble. Arioso is characterized by its fluidity and expressiveness, and it is often used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas.
Origin
The term arioso originated from the Italian word “arioso,” which means “song-like.” It was first used in the 17th century to describe a style of vocal music that was more melodic than recitative but less formal than an aria. Arioso was developed as a way to bridge the gap between recitative, which was used for dialogue, and aria, which was used for expressing emotions.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, arioso is defined as “a style of singing that is between recitative and aria, characterized by its fluidity and expressiveness.” Merriam-Webster defines arioso as “a style of singing that is more melodic than recitative but less formal than an aria.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines arioso as “a style of singing that is more like a song than speech, but not as formal as an aria.”
Associations
Arioso is often associated with the Baroque and Classical periods of music. It was commonly used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas during this time. Some of the most famous ariosos include “Erbarme dich” from Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and “Che faro senza Euridice” from Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of arioso include cantabile, songful, and melodious.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of arioso include recitative, speech-like, and dry.
The same root words
The root word of arioso is “arioso,” which means “song-like” in Italian.
Example Sentences
- The soprano sang an arioso that brought tears to the audience’s eyes.
- The composer used arioso to express the character’s emotions in the opera.
- The arioso was a perfect balance between recitative and aria.
- The tenor’s arioso was the highlight of the concert.
- The conductor instructed the orchestra to play the arioso with more expression.