Coloratura

Definition

Term for florid vocal singing involving scales, runs and ornaments where there are a number of notes sung to the one syllable. This results in singing which is decorative and first became popular during the Baroque period. Sometimes the passages were written down, but often were extemporised by the performer.

Examples

Listen to this example of a Mezzo soprano Aria from 'Hercules' by Handel.

An example, sung by a Baritone - 'Or la Tromba' from 'Rinaldo' by Handel.

Related concepts

• Melismatic (N5)