La solita forma: Examining the Musical and Dramatic Structure of bel canto Arias

Abstract:Classical voice pedagogy is rooted in the principles of bel canto technique. A specific and common aria form associated with the bel canto aesthetic in Italian opera of the first part of the 19th century (the primo ottocento), was the double aria, or cavatina/cabaletta. This form became known as la solita forma, a term defined as "the usual way" to describe a normative practice. This article considers the musical and dramatic structure of la solita forma as embodying the principles of bel canto style (the hallmarks of which are sostenuto and agility) and offers modern singers, teachers, and opera lovers a window into the conventions of primo ottocento opera.