aria (It.). Air. From the time of A. Scarlatti in the 18th cent. onwards this has had the definite implication of a more or less lengthy and well- developed solo vocal piece in ABA form normally called a da capo aria. The singer was expected to add ornaments in the repeated A section. The 19th-cent. operatic aria became more elaborate and complex. Arias used to be rather minutely classified as (a) aria cantabile, slow and smooth; (b) aria di portamento, in long notes and dignified, to be sung in legato style; (c) aria di mezzo carattere, more passionate and with often elaborate orch. acc.; (d) aria parlante, declamatory; (e) aria di bravura (or d'agilità, or d'abilità), requiring great v.-control; (f) aria all'unisono, with acc. in unison or octaves with the vocal part; (g) aria d'imitazione, imitative of bird-song, hunting hns., etc.; (h) aria concertata with elaborate acc.; and so on.