Historically, the term aria in music has undergone a significant transformation in meaning. Its roots trace back to the Italian word aria, derived from the Greek ἀήρ and Latin aer, meaning 'air'.
Early Meanings of Aria
According to historical accounts, the Italian term aria first appeared in relation to music in the 14th century. At this time, its meaning was quite broad and did not refer to a specific musical form as it often does today.
- In the 14th century, aria simply signified:
- A manner of singing
- A style of singing
- A manner of playing
- A style of playing
It was a general term describing how music was performed, rather than a specific piece of music itself.
Evolution of the Term
By the end of the 16th century, the usage of the term aria began to shift. It started to refer to something more specific within the realm of music.
- By the end of the 16th century, the term 'aria' refers to an instrumental form.
This marks a key development where aria transitioned from describing a style of performance to denoting a particular type of musical composition, specifically for instruments. This historical progression shows how musical terminology can evolve over time to reflect changing forms and practices.
