Which term best describes a song in the opera?

An aria is a term that refers to a solo vocal piece, typically found in operas, oratorios, and cantatas. It showcases the singer's vocal ability and is often more expressive and lyrical compared to other types of vocal music. In an opera, an aria serves as a moment for reflection or emotional expression, where the character may express feelings, thoughts, or experiences in a more melodic and structured way.

This is distinct from recitative, which is a style of delivery in operas that resembles speech and is used to advance the plot, often without the rich melodic lines found in arias. The chorale is typically associated with choral music, particularly in sacred contexts, while a sonata usually refers to a specific instrumental form, often for solo instruments or a small ensemble, rather than vocal performance in an opera. Therefore, the aria is the most accurate term for a song in the opera, emphasizing its role in character expression and musical highlight.