What is de capo aria?

A da capo aria is a musical form commonly used in Baroque Opera and oratorio, characterized by its structure of three sections: A-B-A. In this format, the first section (A) is repeated after the contrasting middle section (B), often with embellishments added during the repeat to showcase the singer's virtuosity. The term "da capo" means "from the head," indicating that the performer returns to the beginning of the piece. This form allows for expressive interpretation and elaboration, making it a hallmark of the era's vocal music.