Opera Vocabulary

noun a long, accompanied song for a solo voice, typically in an opera or oratorio

• The soprano performed a beautiful aria during the opera.
• Did you hear that aria in the concert last night? It was amazing!
• That aria was lit! The singer totally nailed it.
• Her voice soared like an aria, filling the room with emotion.

adjective relating to or suitable for singing or music

adverb in a singing or musical style

• The pianist played the piece with a beautiful cantabile style.
• She sang the song in a cantabile manner that brought tears to my eyes.
• I love how he can make his guitar sound so cantabile.
• The flow of the river had a cantabile quality, moving smoothly and gracefully.

noun a gradual increase in loudness or intensity, especially in music

verb to reach a point of intensity or force

• The orchestra reached a powerful crescendo during the final movement of the symphony.
• The music slowly built up to a crescendo before the big finale.
• The party was really boring at first, but it hit a crescendo once the DJ started playing.
• Tensions between the two countries have been escalating, reaching a crescendo in recent weeks.

noun a person who helps students in music by playing the piano for them during lessons and rehearsals

• The répétiteur guided the students through the complex musical score.
• The répétiteur helped us practice for the upcoming performance.
• I heard the répétiteur is really strict during rehearsals.
• In a way, the répétiteur acts as a musical coach for the performers.