arietta

An arietta is a short aria. The term originates from Italian, as a diminutive of aria, and was first used around 1724.1

An aria is a solo song with instrumental accompaniment, commonly found in operas, cantatas, and oratorios. Originating in 16th-century Italy, the term gained traction with Giulio Caccini's publication of Le nuove musiche in 1602, which included strophic songs he called arie. Arias evolved through various musical forms, notably the da capo aria, before transitioning into less stereotyped forms by the late 18th century. While primarily vocal, the term "aria" can sometimes refer to instrumental pieces with a songlike quality.2