An Aria is a vocal piece usually from an opera or oratorio that's more formal in its structure than a song. 17th &18th century variations include:

Aria da capo: aria usually in 3 sections with the middle one contrasting - often in relative minor key - and the last section being a repeat of the first.

Aria di bravura (or di agilità): one with a lot more showy and difficult bits.

Aria di portamento: one that calls for slow, full-tone delivery to show off a beautiful voice with a less obtrusive accompaniment. [Portamento can be another word for an appoggiatura (ornament). It can also mean 'carrying' the line from one note to the next with slight scooping].

Aria parlante: showing off the singer's eloquent diction and dramatic ability rather than a display of vocal quality.

Arietta: a little aria - a shorter and simpler one (except in early 18th century French opera where it was an ariette and often more elaborate).

Arioso: when a declamatory or recitative passage has to be delivered in a song-like fashion.

Aria di sorbetto: the nickname given to 19th century equivalent of the music for the commercial break. The point - usually near the end of the opera where an insignificant aria was given to an insignificant character while the ice cream sellers made their last bid to sell their goods. An unenviable spot for the aspiring singer but if you could cover that then surely you'd have the confidence to take on anything.

View Aria Accompaniment MP3s