Important key words for Opera

Question	Answer
Opera	drama that is sung to orchestral accompaniment
Librettist	a person who writes the text of an opera or other long vocal work
Aria	a song for solo voice with orchestral accompaniment
Recitative	a vocal line that imitates the rhythms and pitch fluctuations of speech
Ensemble	When three or more singers are involved
Chorus	group of singers that generate atmosphere and make comments on the action. creates a sense of tonal background
Prompter	gives cues and reminder to singers of words and pitches. sit in the prompters bow which rises just above the edge of center stage
Overture	purely orchestral composition, that starts most opera's. short musical statement that involves the audience in the overall dramatic mood.
Prelude	purely orchestral composition. introduction to acts, except the first one.

Resource summary

	Created by Sarah Claire about 6 years ago