scena

American  

[shey-nuh] / ˈʃeɪ nə /

noun

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

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scena British  

/ ˈʃeɪnə /

noun

1. a scene in an opera, usually longer than a single aria

2. a dramatic vocal piece written in operatic style

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Etymology

Origin of scena

1810–20; < Italian: literally, scene

Example Sentences

Each scena could stand alone, but each benefits from the other, and from the shared thread of commanding performances.

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 2015

Photograph: Jean-Baptiste Millot Véronique Gens has recorded Les Nuits d'Eté before, in 2001 for Virgin Classics, as part of an all-Berlioz disc alongside the early scena, La Mort de Cléopatre.

From The Guardian • Jun. 20, 2012

Some of them are obscene in one literal sense of that word--from ob scena, Latin for offstage--the sights to be kept from the view of the audience.

From Time Magazine Archive

Lauretta was singing a great scena of Anfossi's.

From The Serapion Brethren, Vol. I. by Hoffmann, Ernst Theodor Wilhelm

Another vocal work of great merit is an a capella motet, while among her earlier compositions is the scena for contralto and orchestra, entitled "Eilende Wolken," on a text from Schiller's "Maria Stuart."

From Woman's Work in Music by Elson, Arthur