opera terms Flashcards

1
Q

libretto

A
  • the text of an opera, oratorio or cantata
  • usually written by someone other than the composer
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2
Q

aria

A
  • Italian for “air”
  • a solo song with accompaniment, heard in an opera, oratorio or cantata
  • highly emotional and often virtuosic
  • may have lyrical or dramatic qualities
  • often serves to reveal the character’s most intimate emotions
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3
Q

recitative

A
  • a speech-like style of singing used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas
  • follows inflections of the text, resulting in rhythmic flexibility
  • usually used to advance the plot or storyline
  • moves through text quickly
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4
Q

ostinato

A
  • Italian for “obstinate” or “persistent”
  • a rhythmic or melodic patterns repeated for an extended period
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5
Q

habanera

A
  • Cuban dance-song
  • characteristic rhythmic motive, often used as an ostinato
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