Aria: moment of contemplation (as opposed to action) within an opera, cantata, [or oratorio]. Arias are characterized by being more melodic and having stronger rhythm than recitatives, and being generally in some sort of easily understood form, [like da Capo or strophic forms. Usually (but not always) will have more instruments accompanying than just the basso continuo group.] Examples: “Vi Ricorda” from Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo [Orfeo’s aria from the Act II messenger scene]; “When I am laid in earth” in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas; “V’adoro pupille” from Handel’s Giulio Caesare [Act II, sc. 2].
recitative: stylized speech for voice and basso continuo group. In an opera or cantata, a recitative contains the active text [as opposed to the aria, which contains the contemplative text]. Examples include “Thy Hand, Belinda” from Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas; “Ah quanto” from Pergolesi’s La Serva padrona, Act I, scene I from Handel’s Giulio Caesare, from numerous examples from Handel’s Messiah and Saul.
* Secco recitative: recitative orchestrated only with the basso continuo group
* Accompanied recitative: recitative orchestrated with the basso continuo and other instruments from the orchestra; examples include Handel’s “The Time at Length Has Come” from Saul.
Yay music history!