Opera & Vocal Music Vocabulary

the highest female singing voice

“The soprano soared effortlessly to high C.”

the highest natural adult male voice

“The tenor's voice thrilled the audience.”

a male voice between bass and tenor

“The baritone brought gravitas to the role.”

elaborate ornamentation of a vocal melody

“Her coloratura was dazzling.”

a style emphasizing beauty of tone and technique

“The bel canto tradition demands flawless legato.”

the text of an opera or musical

“Da Ponte wrote Mozart's greatest libretti.”

the leading female singer; a temperamental person

“The prima donna refused to rehearse.”

a recurring musical phrase associated with a character or idea

“Wagner's leitmotifs create psychological depth.”

speech-like singing advancing the plot

“The recitative gave way to a passionate aria.”

the concluding section of a piece or act

“The finale brought down the house.”