What is an aria, and how is it different from a song?

10 March 2025, 16:00

By Jo Peskett

The words aria and song are often used interchangeably – but are they really the same? Let’s clear up the confusion, breaking down what sets an aria apart, where the terms overlap, and why it all comes down to purpose and context.

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What is an aria?

The word aria comes from the Italian for ‘air’. In musical terms, it refers to a solo vocal piece found most commonly in opera, though it can also be found in an oratorio or cantata.

What is a song?

A song refers more broadly to any piece of music with lyrics. Songs exist across all genres – classical, pop, jazz, folk and more. In classical music, songs often take the form of art songs which are standalone pieces for solo voice and piano.

What are the differences and similarities between an aria and a song?

Every aria is a song, but not every song is an aria. And one of the biggest differences comes down to context: an aria is part of a longer work (like an opera or large-scale work such as an oratorio), while a song can stand alone.

That said, with the rise of modern media, it is now common to hear arias outside their original operatic context, thanks to social media, film and television. Take ‘Nessun dorma’ – originally composed for the opera Turandot by Puccini, it has since become a staple in popular culture. You’ll hear it in everything from The Sopranos TV show, to political rallies, and famously, as the soundtrack to the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

Pavarotti sings 'Nessun Dorma', with English translation

Arias are often more elaborate and virtuosic, composed to showcase the soloist’s voice and highlight a significant moment in the dramatic narrative. In contrast, songs are typically more intimate, often featuring simpler structures and sometimes performed with just voice and piano.

Despite these differences, both share a key similarity: they have lyrics and are composed to be sung, making them powerful vehicles for conveying emotion and storytelling.

Are all operatic pieces arias?

Operas are not made up of arias alone. Many different elements come together to create the magic of an opera. Arias may be among the most striking moments in an opera, but they are just one piece of a much larger anatomy that also includes:

Overture: An introductory piece to an opera or large-scale work, the overture is instrumental rather than vocal and often features key musical themes that will appear later, acting as a preview or musical ‘trailer’ for what’s to come. Think of it as setting the stage for the rest of the performance.
Recitatives: In vocal works, a recitative is a section where a solo voice sings with a freer rhythm. Often it comes before an aria, and serves to advance the plot and narrative in opera.
Ensembles: These involve characters singing together in duets, trios, quartets, or larger group numbers. They help convey complex interactions and emotions between characters in a powerful way.
Choruses: The chorus consists of a group of singers who often represent collective characters, such as townspeople, soldiers, or priests, within the context of the opera.

What’s an example of a ‘song’ in classical music?

Beyond arias, classical music includes many other types of songs. The term song can refer to several distinct types in classical music, one of the most notable being ‘Art Song’ – a solo vocal piece accompanied by piano, with the lyrics often being a poem set to music.

Lieder (the German word for ‘songs’) are a specific type of art song, particularly associated with composers like Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms. These songs set German poetry to music and are celebrated for their expressive depth and close relationship between voice and piano. Traditionally performed in recital settings, Lieder explore themes ranging from love and nature to mythology and remain a cherished part of classical repertoire.

Watch award-winning German-British singer Benjamin Appl introduce the baritone voice type – its historical roots, range, and repertoire including famous Lieder – in the video below.