Question

What defines an aria as opposed to a recitative?

a) Aria is spoken, and recitative is sung.
b) Aria is fast-paced, and recitative is slow-paced.
c) Aria is a solo, and recitative is a group performance.
d) Aria is a vocal solo with orchestral accompaniment, and recitative is a speech-like singing style.

Answer 1

An aria is a vocal solo with orchestral accompaniment, while a recitative is a speech-like singing style.

Step-by-step explanation:

An aria is a vocal solo with orchestral accompaniment, while a recitative is a speech-like singing style. This means that in an aria, the singer performs a solo piece with support from an orchestra, while in a recitative, the singer adopts a more spoken style of singing. Arias are typically more melodic and structured, with a clear melody and often featuring emotional expression, while recitatives are more natural and conversational, used to advance the plot or provide narrative information in an opera or musical.