Cavatina

/ˌkæv.əˈtɪn.ə/ noun

Definition

A short, simple melody or song, often performed by a solo singer in an opera, without repeating sections like a full aria.

Etymology

From Italian 'cavatina', a diminutive form of 'cavata' (drawn out, extracted), related to 'cavare' (to draw or pull out), originally meaning 'a short extracted melody'.

Kelly Says

A cavatina is the musical equivalent of a quick, heartfelt confession—opera singers use it to deliver intense emotion in just a few minutes, unlike the longer, more elaborate aria.

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