da capo aria
Quick Summary
The term "da capo aria" refers to a musical aria in a three-part form: ABA. The first section (A) is followed by a contrasting second section (B), after which the first section (A) is repeated. This repeated section often includes improvised embellishments by the singer. The phrase "da capo" itself is Italian for "from the beginning" and is used in music to indicate a repeat.123
Arias are solo songs with instrumental accompaniment, commonly found in operas, cantatas, and oratorios. The da capo aria was a very popular musical form, especially in Italian operas and cantatas during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. However, by the late 18th century, this form began to decline due to criticisms regarding its dramatic propriety and excessive vocal ornamentation.14
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- musical variation
…of the late Baroque, the da capo aria, has a first section, a second section contrasting in melody and sometimes key and tempo, then an exact repetition of the first section, which provided a showcase for the singer’s ability to elaborate. Jazz is another style that emphasizes performance variation. The…
Read More…of the late Baroque, the da capo aria, has a first section, a second section contrasting in melody and sometimes key and tempo, then an exact repetition of the first section, which provided a showcase for the singer’s ability to elaborate. Jazz is another style that emphasizes performance variation. The…
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operaDevelopment of operatic styles in other Italian citiesThe da capo aria was a large-scale form in three sections (ABA), with the third repeating the first “from the capo, or head”—that is, from the beginning. The form consisted of a pithy, rhymed poem, the main idea of which was captured by one or two…
Read MoreThe da capo aria was a large-scale form in three sections (ABA), with the third repeating the first “from the capo, or head”—that is, from the beginning. The form consisted of a pithy, rhymed poem, the main idea of which was captured by one or two…
Read More