coloratura

[ kuhl-er-uh-toor-uh, -tyoor-uh, kol-, kohl- ]

noun

1. runs, trills, and other florid decorations in vocal music.
2. a lyric soprano of high range who specializes in such music.

coloratura

/ ˈkɒlərəˌtjʊə; ˌkɒlərəˈtʊərə /

noun

1. 1. (in 18th- and 19th-century arias) a florid virtuoso passage
   2. ( as modifier )

      a coloratura aria

2. Also calledcoloratura soprano a lyric soprano who specializes in such music

coloratura

1. Elaborate ornamentation in a piece of vocal music. A coloratura soprano is one who can sing such highly ornamented parts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coloratura¹

1730–40; < Italian < Late Latin: literally, coloring. See color, -ate ¹, -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of coloratura¹

C19: from obsolete Italian, literally: colouring, from Latin colōrāre to colour

Example Sentences

I make a great distinction between the coloratura touch and the melody touch.

From Project Gutenberg

Coloratura singing, to be absolutely perfect, demands this degree of tonal excellence.

From Project Gutenberg

The modern school of musical criticism does not hold coloratura singing in very high esteem.

From Project Gutenberg

But this much is certain: Coloratura singing still has a strong hold on the affections of the music loving public.

From Project Gutenberg

Dazzling as the effects of coloratura are, they are obtained by the combination of a few simple elements.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• singer