Glossary: Opera, Music, Theatre, Stage Opera Terms Aria
A song for one singer to sing. An aria often expresses the thoughts, emotions, or reactions of the
singer’s character.
Libretto
(Italian for ‘little book’) The text or words for an opera.
Opera
Drama set to music. There may be spoken dialogue, but more often the words are sung, with solos,
duets, etc. The music is designed to dramatize the action and also “show off” the skills of the singers.
Operetta
A form of musical theatre that often uses spoken dialogue and musical scenes. It is usually shorter
than a full opera and often uses a comic subject and characters from everyday life.
Overture
An introductory piece to an opera or larger musical work,
from the opera or work. It is sometimes called a prelude.
Premiere
A first performance of a musical piece, play or opera.
often introducing melodies
Vocal Types Soprano
The highest female voice.
Mezzo-Soprano
A lower female voice, sometimes called an alto.
Tenor
The highest male voice.
Baritone
The male voice between tenor and bass.
Bass
The lowest male voice. Musical Combinations
Solo
A piece of music for one, often called an aria when sung.
Duet
A piece of music for two.
Trio
A piece of music for three.
Quartet
A piece of music for four.
Chorus
A piece of music for a group of many singers, also the name of the group who sings them.
Music and Theatre Terms for this show Arpeggios
The quick playing of all the notes in a chord, one after another.
Dissonance
Musical sounds that seem to clash; unpleasant or tense harmony.
Downstage
The part of the stage that is closest to the audience.
Harmony
Two or more tones sounding together, such as a chord.
Pizzicato
“Plucked”, when stringed instruments are plucked instead of bowed.
Upstage
The part of the stage that is furthest from the audience.
Wings
The sides of the stage that cannot be seen by the audience.
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