Bizet Terms

Question 1

Define <b>opera</b>

Answer 1

drama that is sung

combines vocal and instrumental music with
drama (staging and acting),
visual arts (costume and scenery),
and often dance

components include recitative, arias, ensembles, and choruses

originated in Italy around 1600

Question 2

Define <b>aria</b>

Answer 2

Italian for “air”

a solo song heard in an opera, oratorio, or cantata

highly emotional, often virtuosic

may have lyrical or dramatic characters

Question 3

Define <b>recitative</b>

Answer 3

a speech-like style of sining used in operas, oratorios, cantatas

follows inflections of the text, resulting in rhythmic flexibility

usually used to advance the plot or storyline; moves through text quickly

Question 4

Define <b>ostinato</b>

Answer 4

Italian for “obstinate” or “persistent”

a rhythmic or melodic pattern repeated for an extended period

Question 5

Define <b>habañera</b>

Answer 5

Cuban dance-song

2/4

characteristic rhythmic motive, often used as an <i>ostinato</i>