What is an aria?

• A. operatic solo; a song sung by one person in an opera or oratorio with orchestral accompaniment
• B. A dance tune in triple meter
• C. A theatrical recitative with minimal accompaniment
• D. A short choral fugue

Answer: (A)

An aria is a solo vocal piece in opera or oratorio performed by a single character with orchestral accompaniment. It’s crafted to showcase melodic singing and emotional depth, giving the character a moment of reflection or a turning point. This contrasts with recitative, which is more speech-like and used to move the plot with minimal melodic decoration. It’s not a dance tune in triple meter, and it’s not a short choral fugue, which involves multiple voices and intricate counterpoint. That description—a solo song for one voice with orchestral backing—best captures what an aria is.