Meaning of "lamento" in music
In music, the term "lamento" refers to a specific type of musical composition or performance that expresses deep sorrow, grief, or lamentation. It is often characterized by its mournful and melancholic melodies, slow tempo, and expressive lyrics or instrumental lines. The lamento can be found in various musical genres, including opera, classical music, and popular music.
In the context of opera, a lamento is a conventional fixture of baroque opera seria. It is typically performed by a soprano or mezzo-soprano and accompanied by strings alone, using descending tetrachords. These operatic laments are known for their plangent cantabile melodic lines, evocatively free and non-strophic construction, and adagio pace. Despite being separated from their original operatic contexts, operatic laments have remained vividly memorable arias due to their emotional pathos.
One notable example of a lamento is Ariadne's "Lasciatemi morire" from Claudio Monteverdi's lost opera, Arianna. This aria has a poignant and sorrowful quality that captures the essence of a lamento.
In addition to opera, the term "lamento" can also be found in other musical contexts. For example, the song "Lamento Boliviano" by Los Enanitos Verdes is a popular Latin American rock ballad that expresses a sense of lamentation and longing. The lyrics of this song convey feelings of sadness, heartbreak, and the hardships endured by Bolivian people.
Overall, the term "lamento" in music refers to a musical expression of sorrow, grief, or lamentation. It can be found in various musical genres and is characterized by its mournful melodies, slow tempo, and expressive nature.
References: Source: 'Lament - Wikipedia' -
The Italian term for lament.
In addition, you can familiarize yourself with the terms:
- [English] lament
- [French] lamentation (f)
- [German] Klage (f)
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