scena

[ shey-nuh ]

noun

1. an extended operatic vocal solo, usually including an aria and a recitative.

scena

/ ˈʃeɪnə /

noun

1. a scene in an opera, usually longer than a single aria
2. a dramatic vocal piece written in operatic style

Word History and Origins

Origin of scena¹

1810–20; < Italian: literally, scene

Example Sentences

Paganini's monocorde was nothing to it, for they 'll go through a whole scena of Donizetti with only one note in their voice.

From Project Gutenberg

A pair of overdressed Italian artists, extravagantly posturing to one another in some operatic scena.

From Project Gutenberg

Then rose up before me this great opera-house "scena" of the delivery.

From Project Gutenberg

The scena first appeared in print in the fall of 1805, when it was published in a collection made by Hoffmeister and Khnel.

From Project Gutenberg

Repeated mention is made in the letters of the year 1777, and afterwards, of a scena composed for Madame Duschek.

From Project Gutenberg