aria

USAGE SUMMARY

"aria" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a song-like, vocal solo with instrumental accompaniment, which is often found in opera. Example sentence: "The soprano's aria was a beautiful addition to the opera."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

From The Twilight of the Gods, in the scene where Ford imagines himself cuckolded by Falstaff; from Siegfried, in the horn calls and string curlicues before Fenton's aria in act three; and from Klingsor's music in Parsifal (as Martin Kettle, who was also in Milton Keynes, forewarned me) in the chromatic slithering that accompanies the drenched Falstaff at the start of the final act.

The Guardian - Music

What this means is that a truly fascinating picture by Rubens – his fantastical, ingenious portrait of Marchesa aria Grimaldi, and her Dwarf (c 1606) in which a ruff collar takes on the proportions and complexity of the Milky Way and the beautiful Grimaldi is closely accompanied by her jowly retainer – is shown among a host of lesser works.

The Guardian - Arts

Made a good start by gathering all the department staff together and singing them an aria from Tristan und Isolde.

The Guardian - Opinion

Emerging from the royal box of the old Mariinsky, the hero stepped onto the new stage with an aria that made some in the audience look at Mr Putin:My soul is sad!

The Economist

In Benoît Jacquot's magnificent new film, which was screened in Venice out of competition, Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna and Ruggero Raimondi (a blood-curdling Scarpia) mimed to their own voices, sometimes inaccurately and sometimes with closed lips when the aria was telling their thoughts.

The Economist

For Sunday's concert of instrumental music, Berg's concert aria "Der Wein" was performed with as much richness as an Italian opera aria.

The Economist

His premiership might again come to feel like the "tragedy" once widely advertised, albeit an operatic one in which the hero gets to sing a long climactic aria about reform of the IMF before the curtain falls.

The Economist

The final aria, during which she dies, was as wrenching as the death of Violetta, the consumptive courtesan-heroine of "La Traviata".

The Economist

Miss Cunegonde, reduced to prostitution and feeling rather sorry for herself, begins her famous aria while sitting in a bathtub, an absurd allusion to Jacques-Louis David's "Death of Marat".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He wrote few concerted numbers for soloists, but his works have signs of the beginnings of the formal recitative-aria technique, sometimes even with a da capo section.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The precise nature of the two styles varied, both finally taking on characteristics of the recitative-aria combination of contemporary opera.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about music, use "aria" to specifically refer to a solo vocal piece within an opera or oratorio. This adds precision to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "aria" to describe any solo song. Reserve it for formal compositions within operas, cantatas, or oratorios to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The word "aria" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a self-contained piece for one voice, typically within a larger work like an opera. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a musical piece written typically for a solo voice with orchestral accompaniment in an opera or cantata. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in describing specific operatic pieces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "aria" is a noun that denotes a solo vocal piece with instrumental accompaniment, typically within an opera, cantata, or oratorio. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. As evidenced by the many examples found through Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media, as well as in encyclopedic content. While grammatically sound, it's important to reserve "aria" for formal compositions within operas and similar works, not just any solo song. Related phrases include "solo vocal piece" and "operatic solo", which can be useful alternatives depending on the context. Use this word to precisely communicate about music.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solo vocal piece

Focuses on the solo aspect and vocal nature of the musical performance.

operatic solo

Emphasizes the operatic context of the solo performance.

songlike passage

Highlights the lyrical, song-like quality of the musical section.

vocal display

Refers to a showcasing of vocal talent, similar to an aria's purpose.

musical interlude

Suggests a musical break or pause, which an aria can represent in a larger work.

solo performance

General term for a performance by a single person.

vocal number

Refers to a song or singing performance, more broadly than an aria.

musical selection

Broader term for a piece of music, not necessarily vocal or solo.

song

A general term for vocal music, not necessarily operatic or solo.

melody

Focuses on the tune rather than the complete vocal performance.

FAQs

What is an "aria" in music?

An "aria" is a solo vocal piece, typically found in an opera, cantata, or oratorio, showcasing the singer's skill and emotional expression, usually with orchestral accompaniment.

How does an "aria" differ from a recitative?

While both are vocal pieces in opera, an "aria" is melodic and expressive, focusing on emotion, while a recitative is more speech-like and advances the plot.

What are some common types of "aria" forms?

Common forms include the da capo aria (ABA) and the cavatina, each with distinct structural and expressive characteristics.

Can I use "solo vocal piece" instead of "aria"?

While "solo vocal piece" is a general term, "aria" specifically refers to a solo performance within a larger operatic or oratorio work, so it depends on the context.