- Libretto – the words of an opera. Some composers wrote their own librettos; some collaborated with their librettists.
- Orchestral overture – an instrumental opening to most of the operas. Some overtures are based on melodies from the arias.
Listen: Overture
- Aria – a formal song in which characters expresses their emotions.
Listen: Aria
- Recitative – the plot-driving passages sung in a style designed to imitate and emphasize the inflections of speech.
Listen: Recitative
Listen to the recitative “Ch’io mi scordi di te” from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart.
- Ensembles – duets, trios, other ensembles, and choruses.