What is a solo song sung in an operatic style called?

A solo song sung in an operatic style is called an aria. Arias are characterized by their lyrical melodies and are often used to express a character's emotions or thoughts within an opera. They are typically more elaborate and emotionally expressive compared to other forms of vocal music in opera, allowing the singer to showcase their vocal abilities and interpretive skills. In an aria, the singer has the opportunity to explore their character's feelings deeply, often resulting in a more poignant and dramatic moment in the performance.

In contrast, recitatives serve a different purpose in opera, mainly advancing the plot or dialogue but not usually featuring elaborate melodies. Duets involve two singers and focus on their interaction rather than a solo performance. A cadenza is a flourish or solo passage that typically occurs in concertos or other instrumental works, usually showcasing an instrumentalist rather than serving as a sung piece in an operatic style.