Aria:
- Purpose: Arias are lyrical, expressive pieces for a solo singer. They are often used to convey a character's emotions, thoughts, or reflections, providing insights into their inner world.
- Structure: Arias typically have a verse-chorus structure, where the verse presents new musical material, and the chorus repeats a memorable melody.
- Musical Treatment: Arias are characterized by their melodic beauty and ornamentation. They showcase the singer's vocal技巧 and allow for vocal virtuosity, including intricate coloratura passages and elaborate vocal embellishments.
Recitative:
- Purpose: Recitatives are passages of sung speech or dialogue that move the plot forward and convey essential information or conversations between characters.
- Structure: Recitatives are structured freely, closely following the natural rhythm and inflection of speech. They often resemble speech more than traditional singing.
- Musical Treatment: Recitatives are accompanied by a sparse instrumental texture, typically provided by a keyboard instrument such as a harpsichord or fortepiano. The musical accompaniment supports the singer and helps create the desired emotional context. Recitatives usually have minimal to no ornamentation.
In summary, arias are lyrical and expressive solo pieces, while recitatives are sung speech used for plot development. Arias provide opportunities for vocal virtuosity, whereas recitatives prioritize conveying the story and the characters' dialogues. Both elements are crucial in creating the dramatic impact and emotional depth of an opera.