Elaborate vocal embellishments and ornamental passages that 'flower' or decorate the basic melodic line, similar to coloratura but often referring more specifically to improvised or written-out decorative flourishes. These ornaments showcase vocal skill while adding expressive detail.
From Italian 'fiorire,' meaning 'to flower' or 'to bloom,' with 'fioritura' literally meaning 'flowering.' The term emerged in the Baroque and early Classical periods when singers were expected to ornament da capo arias with improvised decorations that would 'bloom' from the written melody.
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