Runs

Definition

In the context of opera, runs refer to a rapid succession of notes that are typically sung in a smooth and flowing manner, often embellishing a melody or showcasing the singer's vocal agility. They add a layer of expressiveness to the music and can demonstrate technical skill, allowing performers to highlight their vocal capabilities while enhancing the emotional impact of a piece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Runs are often employed in both arias and recitatives to add expressiveness and display a singer's technical prowess.
2. They can vary in length and complexity, ranging from short, simple sequences to elaborate passages that require significant vocal control.
3. Different styles of opera may use runs differently; for example, baroque operas frequently feature intricate runs compared to more straightforward melodies found in later styles.
4. Performers often practice runs using scales and exercises specifically designed to improve their speed and accuracy.
5. Mastering runs is crucial for singers aiming to tackle challenging roles, especially in coloratura soprano parts where these passages are prevalent.

Review Questions

• How do runs enhance the emotional impact of an operatic performance?
  • Runs enhance the emotional impact of an operatic performance by allowing singers to express nuances in the music through rapid note changes. This technique can convey excitement, urgency, or even sorrow depending on the context of the piece. When performed with skill, runs can captivate the audience, drawing them deeper into the emotional landscape of the opera.
• Discuss the importance of vocal agility in executing runs and how it affects a singer's performance.
  • Vocal agility is crucial for executing runs effectively as it allows singers to navigate rapidly changing pitches with precision. A lack of agility can lead to inaccuracies or unclear sound during these quick passages, impacting overall performance quality. Thus, singers often engage in targeted exercises to improve their agility, which ultimately elevates their ability to perform challenging operatic roles successfully.
• Evaluate how different operatic styles influence the use and execution of runs in performances.
  • Different operatic styles greatly influence the use and execution of runs. In baroque opera, for instance, intricate ornamentation including extensive runs is more prevalent due to its emphasis on embellishment and vocal display. Conversely, more modern styles might favor melodic clarity over complexity, resulting in fewer elaborate runs. This stylistic variation impacts how singers approach their training and technique when preparing for various roles across the operatic repertoire.

Related terms

Ornamentation: The process of adding embellishments or decorative notes to a melody, which includes runs and other vocal flourishes.

Vocal Agility: The ability of a singer to move quickly between pitches with precision and clarity, essential for executing runs effectively.

Coloratura: A style of operatic singing characterized by intricate melodic lines and rapid runs, often found in soprano roles.