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Opera Terminology

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Date: 

Instructions: How well do you know the language of opera and vocal performance?

  1. 1.

    In opera, what is an 'aria'?

    A
    A self-contained piece for one voice, usually expressing emotion
    B
    The orchestra section
    C
    A group chorus number
    D
    The stage set design
  2. 2.

    What does 'libretto' mean in opera?

    A
    A type of vocal range
    B
    The conductor's baton
    C
    The text or script of an opera
    D
    A small book of sheet music
  3. 3.

    In opera, what is a 'recitative'?

    A
    A repeated musical theme
    B
    A style of singing that imitates natural speech patterns
    C
    A recording of a performance
    D
    A rehearsal session
  4. 4.

    What is a 'soprano' in opera?

    A
    A style of singing softly
    B
    The lowest female voice type
    C
    The highest female voice type
    D
    A type of musical instrument
  5. 5.

    In opera, what is a 'coloratura'?

    A
    Elaborate, ornamental vocal passages with rapid runs and trills
    B
    The color of stage lighting
    C
    A type of opera set in a colorful locale
    D
    The painted scenery on stage
  6. 6.

    What is a 'baritone' voice in opera?

    A
    A voice that only whispers
    B
    The highest male voice
    C
    A female voice with a deep range
    D
    A male voice between tenor and bass
  7. 7.

    In opera, what does 'bel canto' mean?

    A
    Beautiful singing
    B
    Bold canvas
    C
    Bell chanting
    D
    Below center
  8. 8.

    What is the 'overture' in an opera?

    A
    An instrumental introduction played before the curtain rises
    B
    A singer's opening bow
    C
    The final act
    D
    The intermission music
  9. 9.

    In opera, what is a 'diva'?

    A
    A distinguished female opera singer, especially a leading soprano
    B
    A dance sequence
    C
    A type of costume
    D
    A stage director
  10. 10.

    What does 'fortissimo' mean in opera and music?

    A
    Very slow
    B
    Very fast
    C
    Very soft
    D
    Very loud
  11. 11.

    In opera, what is a 'duet'?

    A
    A solo with accompaniment
    B
    A musical piece performed by two singers
    C
    A double performance on two stages
    D
    A second act of the opera
  12. 12.

    What is 'vibrato' in vocal performance?

    A
    A slight, rapid fluctuation in pitch that adds warmth to the voice
    B
    A sharp increase in volume
    C
    Speaking instead of singing
    D
    Singing without any expression
  13. 13.

    In opera, what is the 'prima donna'?

    A
    The first audience member seated
    B
    The leading female singer in an opera
    C
    The costume designer
    D
    The opening musical note
  14. 14.

    What is a 'falsetto' voice?

    A
    A voice used only in rehearsals
    B
    A vocal register above the normal range, producing a lighter, higher tone
    C
    A false start to a performance
    D
    A fake accent used on stage
  15. 15.

    In opera, what is the 'finale'?

    A
    The opening number
    B
    The concluding section of an act or the entire opera
    C
    A fine-tuning rehearsal
    D
    The final payment to performers

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