An aria (Italian aria — literally “air”) is a complete vocal number for one singer with orchestral accompaniment. If the recitative moves the plot forward, the aria seems to halt it, giving the character space to express their inner state — love, anger, despair, triumph.
The aria is the climactic, most expressive moment of an opera, where vocal mastery and the beauty of melody reach their peak. Historically many types developed: the Baroque da capo aria (three-part, with a return of the opening and rich ornamentation), and the lyric, heroic, and virtuosic coloratura aria. The famous arias of Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini are known throughout the world. It was in the operatic aria that the Ukrainian singer Solomiya Krushelnytska won world fame. The aria is the quintessence of operatic singing, the moment when music speaks in the voice of the human soul.
