1. In music, having a style between aria and recitative; melodic and expressive but less formal than a full aria.
Usage: musical term; often used in classical and baroque music

1. In a musical style that is melodic and expressive, between aria and recitative.
Usage: musical direction; used in scores to indicate performance style

1. A musical passage or composition written in an arioso style.
Usage: musical term

Examples

• The soprano performed the arioso section with graceful phrasing.
• The composer marked the passage arioso to indicate a lyrical, song-like quality.
• This arioso from the cantata bridges the gap between spoken recitative and sung melody.
• The violinist played the arioso movement with expressive warmth.
• In baroque music, an arioso often appears within a larger recitative section.
• The conductor instructed the singers to approach the arioso with more melodic freedom.