Opera Terminology

11 words in this vocabulary list

noun a female singer with a low range and a voice quality between that of a soprano and a tenor

  • The contralto singer's rich and deep voice resonated throughout the concert hall.
  • I heard that contralto singer is performing at the local coffee shop tonight.
  • That contralto's voice is so lit, it gives me goosebumps!
  • Her contralto voice was like a soothing balm for my soul.

noun a famous female singer, especially in opera

adjective relating to or characteristic of a diva

  • The opera diva captivated the audience with her powerful voice.
  • My sister can be such a diva when she doesn't get her way.
  • That pop star is such a diva, always demanding special treatment.
  • She was a diva in the kitchen, creating culinary masterpieces with ease.

noun a person's male lover or suitor

adjective related to or characteristic of a male lover or suitor

  • The young woman was deeply devoted to her inamorato, showering him with gifts and affection.
  • I heard that Sarah's inamorato is taking her out for a fancy dinner tonight.
  • My best friend's inamorato is always spoiling her with surprises.
  • The artist considered painting his inamorato as a symbol of his love and devotion.

noun A person who writes the text of an opera or other musical work

verb None

adjective None

adverb None

pronoun None

preposition None

conjunction None

interjection None

article None

  • The librettist collaborated with the composer to create the opera's storyline and lyrics.
  • The librettist worked closely with the composer to write the words for the opera.
  • The librettist and composer teamed up to come up with the story and lyrics for the show.
  • The librettist's words danced off the page and onto the stage, bringing the opera to life.

noun A text or script of an opera, oratorio, cantata, or musical

verb Not applicable

adjective Not applicable

adverb Not applicable

pronoun Not applicable

preposition Not applicable

conjunction Not applicable

interjection Not applicable

article Not applicable

  • The libretto for the opera was meticulously crafted by the renowned playwright.
  • I heard the libretto for the musical is really catchy and fun.
  • The libretto for that show is lit, you have to check it out.
  • She wrote her own life's libretto, turning her experiences into a beautiful story.

noun a person who performs in operas, typically with a trained singing voice

  • The opera singer performed a stunning aria at the prestigious concert hall.
  • I heard that the opera singer nailed their performance last night!
  • That opera singer has some serious pipes!
  • She sings like an opera singer when she hits those high notes.

noun A principal female singer in an opera or concert

  • The opera company hired a renowned prima donna to star in their upcoming production.
  • I heard that the lead actress is a real prima donna backstage.
  • She acts like such a prima donna, always demanding special treatment.
  • Don't be such a prima donna about sharing the spotlight, we're a team.

noun a person who sings, especially as a profession

  • The singer delivered a flawless performance at the opera house.
  • I heard that singer is going on tour next month.
  • That singer has some serious pipes!
  • The singer's voice was like honey, sweet and smooth.

noun a type of female opera singer or actress who plays lively, flirtatious, and coquettish roles

adjective pertaining to or characteristic of a soubrette

  • The soubrette played the role of the charming and witty maid in the opera.
  • The soubrette in the play was so funny and entertaining.
  • Did you see that soubrette in the show? She was hilarious!
  • She always plays the soubrette in real life, bringing laughter and joy wherever she goes.

noun a Maori term used to wish performers good luck or to show appreciation for a performance

  • Before the performance, the opera singer whispered 'toi toi' to her fellow cast members for good luck.
  • Hey, toi toi on your job interview tomorrow!
  • Toi toi for your big game tonight, you got this!
  • The politician's speech was met with a chorus of 'toi toi' from the audience, wishing him success in the upcoming election.

adjective describing something that is melodious or song-like in nature

  • The ariose melodies of the opera captivated the audience.
  • I love listening to ariose music while I study.
  • That song has such an ariose vibe, I can't stop listening to it.
  • Her words were as ariose as a symphony, flowing effortlessly and beautifully.