Arietta

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌæɹiˈɛtə/

Definitions

1. A concise and emotive musical segment often featured in vocal works
2. A brief, lyrical soloistic composition that showcases melodic artistry within a longer arrangement
3. A brief musical work characterized by its expressive melody and limited duration

Etymology: Italian "arietta" is the diminutive of "aria," so it literally means "little air" or "little song." "Aria" itself comes from Latin "aer," meaning air, which was borrowed from Greek "aer," and the same root gave English "air." An "aria" was originally a melody or tune, and musicians applied the diminutive to a shorter, simpler piece, which is why the term sits comfortably beside its larger parent form. In English, "arietta" is a borrowing from Italian used for a short, lyrical solo, typically sung within a larger vocal work such as an opera or cantata. The word stays close to its original sense: a small air, a brief melody with the same breath-like lightness that its root suggests.

Synonyms: aria, song, melody, tune, piece