rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycoloraturaOrnate singing
noun

coloratura

kul-er-uh-TOOR-uh/ˌkʌlərəˈtʊrə/

Elaborate vocal passages featuring rapid movement and high notes.

The soprano sings the aria's coloratura with remarkable clarity and ease.

Soprano performs agile high passage, sheet music with ornate runs.
Etymology
coloraturaItaliancoloring

The literal meaning “coloring” becomes musical decoration: ornamental runs and flourishes embellish a vocal line, giving it figurative color rather than changing its visible appearance.

In context

Soprano Notes6:32
let me know down in the comments whether coloratura comes easy for you or not
How To Practice Coloratura, Riffs, & Runs | The Art of Practicing COLORATURA | Part 1

More examples

  • She practices the coloratura slowly before increasing the tempo.
  • The aria's dazzling coloratura climbs to several high notes.
  • Even experienced singers find this coloratura difficult to master.

Forms

coloratura

Similar words

ornamentation
Includes decorative effects in instrumental music as well as singing.
flourish
A brief decorative musical passage, not necessarily high or rapid.