The Royal Opera House

Located in London’s Covent Garden, The Royal Opera House is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. It is home to The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

**Libretto**: A *libretto* is the text or script of an opera. It contains all the words and stage directions. The term comes from the Italian word for “little book.”

**Aria**: An *aria* is a solo vocal piece, usually featuring elaborate melodies and showcasing the singer’s vocal skills.

**Recitative**: This is a style of delivery in which a singer is allowed to adopt the rhythms of ordinary speech. *Recitatives* are used to advance the plot and often precede an aria.

**Bravo/Brava/Bravi**: These are exclamations of praise from the audience. *Bravo* is used for a male performer, *brava* for a female performer, and *bravi* for a group.

Glyndebourne Festival Opera

Located in the Sussex countryside, Glyndebourne is famous for its annual summer festival. This opera house is unique for its idyllic setting and its commitment to producing high-quality operatic performances.

**Overture**: An *overture* is an instrumental introduction to an opera. It sets the mood and often contains themes that will be heard throughout the performance.

**Ensemble**: An *ensemble* is a musical number performed by a group of singers. It can range from duets to full choral pieces.

**Cadenza**: This is a passage, often improvised, where the soloist can display their technical skills. In opera, a *cadenza* often occurs at the end of an aria.

**Reprise**: A *reprise* is the repetition of an earlier theme or musical number. It is used to remind the audience of a particular moment or emotion.

The English National Opera

Located at the London Coliseum, the English National Opera (ENO) is known for its accessible productions performed in English. The ENO aims to bring opera to the widest possible audience.

**Chorus**: In opera, the *chorus* is a group of singers who provide background music and commentary. They often represent groups of people within the story.

**Librettist**: The *librettist* is the person who writes the libretto. They work closely with the composer to ensure that the text fits the music.

**Bel Canto**: This Italian term means “beautiful singing.” It refers to a style of singing that emphasizes smooth, flowing melodies and vocal agility.

**Soprano**: A *soprano* is the highest female voice type. In opera, sopranos often play the leading female roles.

Scottish Opera

Based in Glasgow, Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company. It performs both classic and contemporary works, often with a Scottish twist.

**Tenor**: A *tenor* is the highest male voice type. Tenors often play the romantic lead in operas.

**Baritone**: A *baritone* is a male voice type that falls between tenor and bass. Baritones often play villains or comic roles.

**Bass**: The *bass* is the lowest male voice type. Basses often play roles of authority figures or villains.

**Forte**: This Italian term means “strong” or “loud.” In music, *forte* indicates that a passage should be played or sung loudly.

Opera North

Based in Leeds, Opera North is known for its innovative productions and commitment to education. The company aims to make opera accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

**Mezzo-Soprano**: A *mezzo-soprano* is a female voice type that falls between soprano and contralto. Mezzo-sopranos often play supporting roles or “trouser roles” (where a female singer plays a male character).

**Contralto**: The *contralto* is the lowest female voice type. Contraltos often play older female characters or witches and villains.

**Orchestra Pit**: The *orchestra pit* is the area in front of the stage where the orchestra sits. It is usually lower than the stage to keep the musicians out of the audience’s view.

**Libretto**: This is the text of the opera, including all the lyrics and dialogue. The *libretto* is usually written by a different person than the composer.

Welsh National Opera

Based in Cardiff, the Welsh National Opera (WNO) is known for its high-quality productions and commitment to Welsh culture. The WNO performs both in Wales and internationally.

**Leitmotif**: A *leitmotif* is a recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, place, or idea. It helps to unify the opera and remind the audience of key elements.

**Maestro**: This Italian term means “master” and is used to address or refer to the conductor of the orchestra.

**Libretto**: The text or script of the opera. It includes all spoken dialogue and lyrics.

**Aria**: A solo vocal piece, typically one that is elaborate and showcases the singer’s technical skill.

Key Vocabulary in Opera

**Libretto**: The text of the opera, including all the lyrics and dialogue. The *libretto* is usually written by a different person than the composer.

**Aria**: A solo vocal piece, typically one that is elaborate and showcases the singer’s technical skill.

**Recitative**: A style of delivery in which a singer adopts the rhythms of ordinary speech. *Recitatives* are used to advance the plot and often precede an aria.

**Bravo/Brava/Bravi**: Exclamations of praise from the audience. *Bravo* is used for a male performer, *brava* for a female performer, and *bravi* for a group.

**Overture**: An instrumental introduction to an opera. It sets the mood and often contains themes that will be heard throughout the performance.

**Ensemble**: A musical number performed by a group of singers. It can range from duets to full choral pieces.

**Cadenza**: A passage, often improvised, where the soloist can display their technical skills. In opera, a *cadenza* often occurs at the end of an aria.

**Reprise**: The repetition of an earlier theme or musical number. It is used to remind the audience of a particular moment or emotion.

**Chorus**: In opera, the *chorus* is a group of singers who provide background music and commentary. They often represent groups of people within the story.

**Librettist**: The person who writes the libretto. They work closely with the composer to ensure that the text fits the music.

**Bel Canto**: This Italian term means “beautiful singing.” It refers to a style of singing that emphasizes smooth, flowing melodies and vocal agility.

**Soprano**: The highest female voice type. In opera, sopranos often play the leading female roles.

**Tenor**: The highest male voice type. Tenors often play the romantic lead in operas.

**Baritone**: A male voice type that falls between tenor and bass. Baritones often play villains or comic roles.

**Bass**: The lowest male voice type. Basses often play roles of authority figures or villains.

**Forte**: This Italian term means “strong” or “loud.” In music, *forte* indicates that a passage should be played or sung loudly.

**Mezzo-Soprano**: A female voice type that falls between soprano and contralto. Mezzo-sopranos often play supporting roles or “trouser roles.”

**Contralto**: The lowest female voice type. Contraltos often play older female characters or witches and villains.

**Orchestra Pit**: The area in front of the stage where the orchestra sits. It is usually lower than the stage to keep the musicians out of the audience’s view.

**Leitmotif**: A recurring musical theme associated with a particular character, place, or idea. It helps to unify the opera and remind the audience of key elements.

**Maestro**: This Italian term means “master” and is used to address or refer to the conductor of the orchestra.

Exploring British opera houses is not only a cultural experience but also an educational one. As you attend performances and immerse yourself in the world of opera, you’ll encounter a rich and varied vocabulary that will enhance your language skills. Understanding these key terms will deepen your appreciation for this art form and provide you with the tools to discuss and analyze opera with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned opera-goer or a newcomer, the language of opera offers endless opportunities for learning and enjoyment.