Aria

Aria (Ital. 'air'), in Music, a rhythmical melody, as distinct from recitative. The term was formerly applied to a measured lyrical piece either for one or several voices; but is now commonly applied to a song introduced in a cantata, oratorio, or opera, and intended for one voice supported by instruments. The 'aria grande' has taken many forms, mostly of two classes—the aria with 'da capo,' in which the first section is repeated in extenso after the second or intermediary one, and the aria without 'da capo,' a more varied and extended form, in which the first section may be several times repeated, and the last time generally more or less expanded into a coda. The great masters have raised it to almost symphonic importance—e.g. Beethoven's 'Ah perfido,' or Mendelssohn's 'Infelice.'—ARIETTA is a short melody.