The Pink Theme

The Pink Theme by Rameez Yousefi (Dagobert)

Download: ThePinkTheme.p3t

The Pink Theme
(1 background)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

GTA IV By Night

GTA IV By Night theme by DiDjiTu

Download: GTAIVByNight.p3t

GTA IV By Night Theme
(1 background)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

4_sketchy

4_sketchy theme by Fausk

Download: 4_sketchy.p3t

4_sketchy Theme
(3 backgrounds)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

Eye of Judgment Official Theme 2

Eye of Judgment Official Theme 2 by SCEJ

Download: EyeofJudgmentOfficial_2.p3t

Eye of Judgment Official Theme 2
(5 backgrounds)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

Valkyria Chronicles

Valkyria Chronicles theme by SEGA

Download: ValkyriaChronicles.p3t

Valkyria Chronicles Theme
(1 background)

Valkyria Chronicles
The logo for the first game in the series.
Genre(s)Tactical role-playing
Developer(s)Sega
Media.Vision
Publisher(s)Sega
Creator(s)Ryutaro Nonaka
Shuntaro Tanaka
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
First releaseValkyria Chronicles
April 24, 2008
Latest releaseValkyria Chronicles 4
March 21, 2018

Valkyria Chronicles[a] is a series of military-themed tactical role-playing video games created by Ryutaro Nonaka and Shuntaro Tanaka, and developed by Sega. The series began with Valkyria Chronicles, which was released for the PlayStation 3 in 2008, and later for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Switch. Two sequels have been released on the PlayStation Portable, with the latest installment, Valkyria Chronicles 4, released for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Windows. The series has also been expanded into anime and manga media.

Settings, gameplay, and characters[edit]

The main line of games uses a turn based system known as the BLiTZ (Battle of Live Tactical Zones), while the later installment is described as being real time with strategy elements. The setting resembles an alternate version of Earth during the early 20th century. Welkin Gunther is the main protagonist of the first game, Valkyria Chronicles. Selvaria Bles is a character that has appeared in every single installment, with the exception of Valkyria Revolution.

Games[edit]

Valkyria Chronicles debuted on PlayStation 3, with the original game later made available on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Sega opted to continue the series on PlayStation Portable instead of on PlayStation 3. However, Valkyria Chronicles 4 was released on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows and Nintendo Switch, it was the first Valkyria Chronicles game to debut on a Nintendo platform and Microsoft Windows in the West.

Main series[edit]

Release timeline
2008Valkyria Chronicles
2009
2010Valkyria Chronicles II
2011Valkyria Chronicles III
2012Valkyria Chronicles D
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017Valkyria Revolution
2018Valkyria Chronicles 4

Valkyria Chronicles[edit]

The first main entry in the series was originally released for the PlayStation 3 and later ported to Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. The Windows port was developed by Little Stone Software. It takes place in Europa, a fictional continent based on Europe, during the beginning of World War II. Because of its abundance of Ragnite ore, which takes the place of petroleum in the game setting, the neutral nation of Gallia comes under attack from the East Europan Imperial Alliance, which is itself engaged in a war with the Atlantic Federation.[1] Players take control of a unit of the Gallian Militia, dedicated to repelling the invasion. The game's visuals, which use Sega's CANVAS graphics engine, resemble pencil drawn paintings in motion.

Valkyria Chronicles II[edit]

The second main entry was moved to the PlayStation Portable platform. Story-wise, it takes place two years after the events of the first game, with a fight that breaks loose against the Gallian Revolutionary Army and the Regular Army in a bid to remove Cordelia from the throne. The game's story focuses on a military academy as its cadets seek to prevent an ethnic cleansing campaign by a ruthless rebel group.

Valkyria Chronicles III[edit]

The third main entry was also released on the PlayStation Portable. However, it takes place during the events of the first game. The story follows the "Nameless", a penal military unit serving the nation of Gallia during the Second Europan War who perform secret black operations and are pitted against the Imperial unit "Calamity Raven". Unlike the previous installments, it did not have an official release outside of Japan.

Valkyria Chronicles 4[edit]

The fourth main entry was released on the PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in 2018.[2] While taking place during the events of the first and third game, Valkyria Chronicles 4 focuses not on the Gallian forces but those of the Atlantic Federation, the other major superpower during the events of the war, that enacts a bold plan to strike at the imperial capital.

Spinoffs[edit]

Valkyria Chronicles D[edit]

Valkyria Chronicles D is a mobile game released only in Japan. It was a free browser-based/iOS game, with radically different gameplay, focusing more on character management of war troops similar to sports team management simulations.[3] It was released on July 26, 2012 and shut down on April 22, 2015.[4]

Valkyria Revolution[edit]

Valkyria Revolution (known in Japan as Valkyria of the Blue Revolution) was released on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita on January 19, 2017 in Japan. It is considered a spin-off, with a storyline separate from the main series, taking place in the fictional country of Jutland. It was released in North America and Europe on June 27, 2017 and June 30, 2017 respectively for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita and Xbox One, making it the first series game to be on a Microsoft console, alongside the PlayStation versions.[5]

Other media[edit]

Valkyria Chronicles[edit]

Valkyria Chronicles
Valkyria Chronicles volume 1 manga cover
戦場のヴァルキュリア -Gallian Chronicles-
(Senjō no Varukyuria -Gallian Chronicles-)
GenreAction, drama, comedy, romance, military
Further information
Manga
Wish Your Smile
Written bySega
Illustrated byKyusei Tokito
Published byEnterbrain
MagazineComic B's Log
Original runNovember 12, 2008January 22, 2010
Volumes2
Manga
Written bySega
Illustrated byEn Kito
Published byKadokawa Shoten
MagazineComp Ace
DemographicShōnen
Original runNovember 26, 2008March 26, 2010
Volumes4
Anime television series
Directed byYasutaka Yamamoto
Written byMichiko Yokote
StudioA-1 Pictures
Original networkMBS, Animax
Original run April 4, 2009 September 26, 2009
Episodes26 + 9 OVA (List of episodes)
Manga
Anthology Comic
Written bySega
Illustrated byVarious artists
Published byEnterbrain
MagazineBros Comics EX
PublishedDecember 28, 2009
Volumes1
Manga
4-koma Anthology
Written bySega
Illustrated byVarious artists
Published byEnterbrain
MagazineBros Comics EX
PublishedMarch 10, 2010
Volumes1

Manga[edit]

Four manga adaptations have been published based on the first game. The first is Valkyria Chronicles: Wish Your Smile, serialized by Enterbrain's Comic B's Log magazine[6] and centering on two characters made for the manga: Mintz, an orphan and engineer, and Julius Klose, a sniper, with both of them in the Gallian army's militia force.[6][7] It was illustrated by Kyusei Tokito, and was serialized from November 12, 2008 to January 22, 2010 with two compilation volumes released on May 1, 2009 and March 1, 2010.[8][9][10][11]

The second manga, titled the same as the game, was illustrated by En Kito.[12] Similar to the anime, it is a loose adaptation of the original video game, with some story details diverging from the source material. It was serialized by Kadokawa Shoten[12] from November 26, 2008 to March 26, 2010 in Comp Ace magazine and later compiled in four volumes.[13][14]

The third manga is Valkyria Chronicles: Anthology Comic, published by the Bros Comics EX comic label on December 28, 2009 in one volume.[15]

The fourth manga is Valkyria Chronicles: 4-koma Anthology, published by the Bros Comics EX comic label on March 10, 2010 in one volume.[16]

Anime[edit]

The anime adaptation of the first game premiered on April 4, 2009[17] and was produced by Aniplex's A-1 Pictures.[18][19] The series was directed by Yasutaka Yamamoto[20] and written by Michiko Yokote under the Project Valkyria Group.[20] Valkyria Chronicles was aired on Animax, Tokyo MX, MBS, CBC, Chiba TV, Television Kanagawa, Television Hokkaido, BS11, and TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting.[21] Generally following the storyline of the original game, the anime version differs from its source in terms of characterization of main players such as Alicia, and introduces a character unique to the anime, Ramal Valt. While retaining elements of the CANVAS Engine's look, the characters were redesigned for the anime by Atsuko Watanabe.

The original score for the anime is composed and conducted by the game's composer Hitoshi Sakimoto and performed by the Czech Film Orchestra. The first opening theme song, "Asu e no Kizuna"[22] was performed by Animax Anison Grand Prix winner Catherine St. Onge, under her chosen moniker of Himeka.[23][24][25] A CD single of the song was released on May 27, 2009.[26] The first ending theme, "Ano Kaze ni Notte" (アノ風ニノッテ, "Riding on that Wind") was sung by the band Pe'zmoku with a CD single released on May 27, 2009 in a regular and special edition.[26][27] Maria performed the series's second opening theme, "Kanashimi Rensa" (カナシミレンサ, "Chain of Sorrow"),[28] which was used from the 14th episode on.[29] The second ending song, "Hitotsu no Negai" (ひとつの願い, "A Single Wish"), was sung by Hikari Inoue[29] beginning from Episode 14 until Episode 25. Episode 26's ending song was "Brightest Morning", also performed by Hikari Inoue. CD singles for "Kanashimi Rensa" and "Hitotsu no Negai" were released on August 12, 2009 and August 5, 2009.[29]

Region 2 DVDs of all 26 episodes were released across nine volumes, beginning on August 5, 2009,[30] and concluding on April 7, 2010.[31] Each DVD volume contained a Valkyria Chronicles Theater OVA mini-episode. A BD-box was released on April 27, 2011.

Drama CD[edit]

Two Valkyria Chronicles Drama CDs have been released. The first was released on July 24, 2009,[32] and the second was released on October 7, 2009.[32]

Valkyria Chronicles II[edit]

Valkyria Chronicles II
戦場のヴァルキュリア2
(Senjō no Varukyuria Tsū)
GenreAction, drama, comedy, romance, military
Further information
Manga
Sōkō no Aliasse
Written bySega
Illustrated byDaisuke Shido
Published byASCII Media Works
MagazineDengeki Maoh
DemographicSeinen
Original runJune 2010June 2011
Volumes2
Manga
Written bySega
Illustrated byWatari
Published byKadokawa Shoten
MagazineComp Ace
DemographicShōnen
Original runOctober 2010September 2011
Volumes2
Manga
Our Only Days
Written bySega
Illustrated byMekki Kuroyama
Published byEnterbrain
MagazineComics B's-Log Air Raid
Original runMay 28, 2010January 2011
Volumes2

Three manga adaptations of the second game were released by Sega in Japan.[33]

The first one released was Valkyria Chronicles II Sōkō no Aliasse (戦場のヴァルキュリア2 蒼光のエイリアス, Senjō no Varukyuria 2 Sōkō no Eiriasu, lit. Valkyria of the Battlefield 2: Aliasse of the Blue Light), drawn by Daisuke Shido and serialised in Dengeki Maoh between June 2010 and June 2011 issues, in which the story follows the developing friendship between the Valkyrian Aliasse, and her Darcsen classmate Magari. The first volume was published in January 2011 and the second volume was published on May 27, 2011.

The next manga is called Valkyria Chronicles II (戦場のヴァルキュリア2, Senjō no Varukyuria 2). The story was written by Daiki Saito and the artwork was done by Watari. It was serialised in Comp Ace from October 2010 to September 2011 issues, and its storyline is loosely based on the game, with emphasis on the relationship between Avan and his brother. The first volume was published on January 26, 2011 and the second volume was published on September 21, 2011.

Another manga, named Valkyria Chronicles II: Our Only Days (戦場のヴァルキュリア2 -our only days-, Senjō no Varukyuria 2 -our only days-), was illustrated by Mekki Kuroyama and was serialised as a webcomic in Comics B's-Log Air Raid from May 28, 2010 to January 2011. The story is focused on Zeri and his changing relationships with his schoolmates over the course of the events of the game. The first volume was published on January 31, 2011 and the second volume on September 1, 2011.

Valkyria Chronicles III[edit]

Valkyria Chronicles III
戦場のヴァルキュリア3
(Senjō no Varukyuria 3)
GenreAction, drama, comedy, romance, military
Further information
Original video animation
Taga Tame no Jūsō
Directed byNobuhiro Kondō[34]
Produced byShinji Motoyama[34]
Written byHiroshi Ōnogi[34]
Music byHitoshi Sakimoto[34]
StudioA-1 Pictures[34]
Released June 29, 2011 August 31, 2011
Episodes2
Manga
Na mo Naki Chikai no Hana
Written bySega
Illustrated byNaoyuki Fujisawa
Published byASCII Media Works
MagazineDengeki Maoh
DemographicSeinen
Original runMarch 26, 2011February 27, 2012
Volumes2
Manga
Akaki Unmei no Ikusa Otome
Written bySega
Illustrated byMizuki Tsuge
Published byKadokawa Shoten
MagazineComp Ace
DemographicShōnen
Original runJuly 26, 2011January 26, 2012
Volumes1

Anime[edit]

Valkyria Chronicles III was adapted into a two-episode original video animation series in the same year of its release. Titled Senjō no Valkyria 3: Taga Tame no Jūsō (戦場のヴァルキュリア3 誰がための銃瘡, lit. Valkyria of the Battlefield 3: The Wound Taken for Someone's Sake), it was originally released through PlayStation Network and Qriocity between April and May 2011. The initially-planned release and availability period needed to be extended due to a stoppage to PSN during the early summer of that year. It later released for DVD on June 29 and August 31, 2011, with separate "Black" and "Blue" editions being available for purchase.[35][36] The anime is set during the latter half of Valkyria Chronicles III, detailing a mission by the Nameless against their Imperial rivals Calamity Raven.[37] The anime was first announced in November 2010.[38] It was developed by A-1 Pictures, produced by Shinji Motoyama, directed by Nobuhiro Kondō, and written by Hiroshi Ōnogi. Sakimoto's music for the game was used in the anime.[34]

The anime's title was inspired by the principal purpose of the Nameless: to suffer in battle for the goals of others. A subtitle attached to the project during development was "The Road to Kubinka", which referenced the Kubinka Tank Museum in Moscow. The game's main theme was how the characters regained their sense of self when stripped of their names and identities, along with general themes focused on war and its consequences. While making the anime, the production team were told by Sega to make it as realistic as possible, with the consequence that the team did extensive research into aspects such as what happened when vehicles like tanks were overturned or damaged. Due to it being along the same timeline as the original game and its anime television adaptation, the cast of Valkyria Chronicles could make appearances, which pleased the team.[37][39][40] The opening theme, "Akari (Light) -Tomoshibi-" (灯-TOMOSHIBI-), was sung by Japanese singer Faylan. The ending theme, "Someday the Flowers of Light Will Bloom" (いつか咲く光の花, Itsuka Saku Hikari no Hana), was sung by Minami Kuribayashi. Both songs' lyrics were written by their respective artists.[41]

Manga[edit]

Two manga adaptations were serialized between 2011 and 2012, following each of the game's main female protagonists, Imca and Riela. They were Senjō no Valkyria 3: Na mo Naki Chikai no Hana (戦場のヴァルキュリア3 名もなき誓いの花, lit. Valkyria of the Battlefield 3: The Flower of the Nameless Oath), illustrated by Naoyuki Fujisawa and released in two volumes by ASCII Media Works after being serialized in Dengeki Maoh from March 26, 2011 to February 27, 2012; and Senjō no Valkyria 3: -Akaki Unmei no Ikusa Otome- (戦場のヴァルキュリア3 -赤き運命の戦乙女-, lit. Valkyria of the Battlefield 3: The Valkyrie of the Crimson Fate), illustrated by Mizuki Tsuge and released in a single volume by Kadokawa Shoten after being serialized in Comp Ace from July 26, 2011 to January 26, 2012.[42][43]

Reception[edit]

VW Golf W12

VW Golf W12 theme by ctevans1

Download: VWGolfW12.p3t

VW Golf W12 Theme
(2 backgrounds)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

BloodSpillXXT – GW Assassin

BloodSpillXXT – GW Assassin theme by BloodSpillXXT

Download: BloodSpillXXTGWAssassin.p3t

BloodSpillXXT - GW Assassin Theme
(3 backgrounds)

P3T Unpacker v0.12
Copyright (c) 2007. Anoop Menon

This program unpacks Playstation 3 Theme files (.p3t) so that you can touch-up an existing theme to your likings or use a certain wallpaper from it (as many themes have multiple). But remember, if you use content from another theme and release it, be sure to give credit!

Download for Windows: p3textractor.zip

Instructions:

Download p3textractor.zip from above. Extract the files to a folder with a program such as WinZip or WinRAR. Now there are multiple ways to extract the theme.

The first way is to simply open the p3t file with p3textractor.exe. If you don’t know how to do this, right click the p3t file and select Open With. Alternatively, open the p3t file and it will ask you to select a program to open with. Click Browse and find p3textractor.exe from where you previously extracted it to. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename]. After that, all you need to do for any future p3t files is open them and it will extract.

The second way is very simple. Just drag the p3t file to p3textractor.exe. It will open CMD and extract the theme to extracted.[filename].

For the third way, first put the p3t file you want to extract into the same folder as p3textractor.exe. Open CMD and browse to the folder with p3extractor.exe. Enter the following:
p3textractor filename.p3t [destination path]Replace filename with the name of the p3t file, and replace [destination path] with the name of the folder you want the files to be extracted to. A destination path is not required. By default it will extract to extracted.filename.

Aria

Aria theme by Lapiz

Download: Aria.p3t

Aria Theme
(9 backgrounds)

The farewell aria of Sultan Bazajet in Handel's opera Tamerlano (note the da capo instruction). First edition, London, 1719.

In music, an aria (Italian: [ˈaːrja]; pl.: arie, Italian: [ˈaːrje]; arias in common usage; diminutive form: arietta, Italian: [aˈrjetta]; pl.: ariette; in English simply air) is a self-contained piece for one voice, with or without instrumental or orchestral accompaniment, normally part of a larger work.

The typical context for arias is opera, but vocal arias also feature in oratorios and cantatas, or they can be stand-alone concert arias. The term was originally used to refer to any expressive melody, usually, but not always, performed by a singer.

Etymology[edit]

The Italian term aria, which derives from the Greek ἀήρ and Latin aer (air), first appeared in relation to music in the 14th century when it simply signified a manner or style of singing or playing. By the end of the 16th century, the term 'aria' refers to an instrumental form (cf. Santino Garsi da Parma lute works, ('Aria del Gran Duca'). By the early 16th century it was in common use as meaning a simple setting of strophic poetry; melodic madrigals, free of complex polyphony, were known as madrigale arioso.[1]

In opera[edit]

Aria form in late 17th century French and Italian opera[edit]

In the context of staged works and concert works, arias evolved from simple melodies into structured forms. In such works, the sung, melodic, and structured aria differed from the speech-like (parlando) recitative – the latter tending to carry the story-line, the former used to convey emotional content and serve as an opportunity for singers to display their vocal talent.

By the late 17th century operatic arias came to be written in one of two forms. Binary form arias were in two sections (A–B); arias in ternary form (A–B–A) were known as da capo arias (literally 'from the head', i.e. with the opening section repeated, often in a highly decorated manner).[2] In the da capo aria the 'B' episode would typically be in a different key – the dominant or relative major key. Other variants of these forms are found in the French operas of the late 17th century such as those of Jean-Baptiste Lully which dominated the period of the French baroque. Vocal solos in his operas (known of course as the French term, airs) are frequently in extended binary form (ABB') or sometimes in rondeau form (ABACA),[3] (a shape which is analogous to the instrumental rondo).

In the work of Italian composers of the late 17th and early 18th century, the da capo aria came to be include the ritornello (literally, 'little return'), a recurring instrumental episode which featured certain phrases of the aria proper and provided, in early operas, the opportunity for dancing or entries of characters.[4] Da capo aria with ritornelli became a typifying feature of European opera throughout the 18th century and is thought by some writers to be a direct antecedent of sonata form.[5] The ritornelli became essential to the structure of the aria – "while the words determine the character of a melody the ritornello instruments often decided in what terms it shall be presented."[6]

18th century[edit]

By the early 18th century, composers such as Alessandro Scarlatti had established the aria form, and especially its da capo version with ritornelli, as the key element of opera seria. "It offered balance and continuity, and yet gave scope for contrast. [...] The very regularity of its conventional features enabled deviations from the normal to be exploited with telling effect."[7] In the early years of the century, arias in the Italian style began to take over in French opera, giving rise eventually to the French genre of ariette, normally in a relatively simple ternary form.[8]

Types of operatic aria became known by a variety of terms according to their character – e.g.aria parlante ('speaking-style', narrative in nature),[9] aria di bravura (typically given to a heroine),[10] aria buffa (aria of a comic type, typically given to a bass or bass-baritone),[11] and so on.

M. F. Robinson describes the standard aria in opera seria in the period 1720 to 1760 as follows:

The first section normally began with an orchestral ritornello after which the singer entered and sang the words of the first stanza in their entirety. By the end of this first vocal paragraph the music, if it were in a major key as it usually was, had modulated to the dominant. The orchestra then played a second ritornello usually shorter than the first. The singer re-entered and sang the same words through a second time. The music of this second paragraph was often slightly more elaborate than that of the first. There were more repeats of words and perhaps more florid vocalisations. The key worked its way back to the tonic for the final vocal cadence after which the orchestra rounded the section off with a final ritornello.[12]

Gluck in a 1775 portrait by Joseph Duplessis

The nature and allocation of the arias to the different roles in opera seria was highly formalized. According to the playwright and librettist Carlo Goldoni, in his autobiography,

The three principal personages of the drama ought to sing five arias each; two in the first act, two in the second, and one in the third. The second actress and the second soprano can only have three, and the inferior characters must be satisfied with a single aria each, or two at the most. The author of the words must [...] take care that two pathetic [i.e. melancholy] arias do not succeed one another. He must distribute with the same precaution the bravura arias, the arias of action, the inferior arias, and the minuets and rondeaus. He must, above all things, avoid giving impassioned arias, bravura arias, or rondeaus, to inferior characters.[13]

By contrast, arias in opera buffa (comic opera) were often specific in character to the nature of the character being portrayed (for example the cheeky servant-girl or the irascible elderly suitor or guardian).[14]

By later in the century it was clear that these formats were becoming fossilized. Christoph Willibald Gluck thought that both opera buffa and opera seria had strayed too far from what opera should really be, and seemed unnatural. The jokes of opera buffa were threadbare and the repetition of the same characters made them seem no more than stereotypes. In opera seria the singing was devoted to superficial effects and the content was uninteresting and stale. As in opera buffa, the singers were often masters of the stage and the music, decorating the vocal lines so floridly that audiences could no longer recognise the original melody. Gluck wanted to return opera to its origins, focusing on human drama and passions and making words and music of equal importance. The effects of these Gluckist reforms were seen not only in his own operas but in the later works of Mozart; the arias now become far more expressive of the individual emotions of the characters and are both more firmly anchored in, and advance, the storyline. Richard Wagner was to praise Gluck's innovations in his 1850 essay "Opera and Drama": " The musical composer revolted against the wilfulness of the singer"; rather than "unfold[ing] the purely sensuous contents of the Aria to their highest, rankest, pitch", Gluck sought "to put shackles on Caprice's execution of that Aria, by himself endeavouring to give the tune [...] an expression answering to the underlying Word-text".[15] This attitude was to underlie Wagner's would-be deconstruction of aria in his concept of Gesamtkunstwerk.

19th century[edit]

Despite the ideals of Gluck, and the trend to organise libretti so that arias had a more organic part in the drama rather than merely interrupting its flow, in the operas of the early 19th century, (for example those of Gioachino Rossini and Gaetano Donizetti), bravura arias remained focal attractions, and they continued to play a major role in grand opera, and in Italian opera through the 19th century.

A favoured form of aria in the first half of the 19th century in Italian opera was the cabaletta, in which a songlike cantabile section is followed by a more animated section, the cabaletta proper, repeated in whole or in part. Typically such arias would be preceded by recitative, the whole sequence being termed a scena. There might also be opportunities for participation by orchestra or chorus. An example is Casta diva from the opera Norma of Vincenzo Bellini.[16]

After around 1850, aria forms in Italian opera began to show more variety – many of the operas of Giuseppe Verdi offer extended narrative arias for leading roles that enable, in their scope, intensification of drama and characterisation. Examples include Rigoletto's condemnation of the court, "Cortigiani, vil razza dannata!" (1851).[16]

Later in the century, the post-1850 operas of Wagner were through-composed, with fewer elements being readily identifiable as self-contained arias;[17] whilst the Italian genre of verismo opera also sought to integrate arioso elements although still allowing some 'show-pieces'.[16]

Concert arias[edit]

Concert arias, which are not part of any larger work, (or were sometimes written to replace or insert arias in their own operas or operas of other composers) were written by composers to provide the opportunity for vocal display for concert singers;[18] examples are Ah! perfido, Op. 65, by Beethoven, and a number of concert arias by Mozart, including Conservati fedele.

Instrumental music[edit]

Title page of the Goldberg Variations (first edition, 1741)

The term 'aria' was frequently used in the 17th and 18th centuries for instrumental music modelled on vocal music.[19] For example, J. S. Bach's so-called "Goldberg Variations" were titled at their 1741 publication "Clavier Ubung bestehend in einer ARIA mit verschiedenen Verænderungen" ("Keyboard exercise, consisting of one ARIA with diverse variations.")

The word is sometimes used in contemporary music as a title for instrumental pieces, e.g. Robin Holloway's 1980 'aria' for chamber ensemble.[20] or Harrison Birtwistle's brass band piece, "Grimethorpe Aria" (1973).[21]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Notes

  1. ^ Westrup et al. (n.d.), §1: Derivation.
  2. ^ Westrup et al. (n.d.), §2: Seventeenth century vocal music.
  3. ^ Anthony (1991), pp. 202–205.
  4. ^ Talbot (n.d.); Solie (1977), pp. 54–5
  5. ^ Solie (1977), p. 31. See also e.g. Rosen (1988).
  6. ^ Lewis (1959), p. 97.
  7. ^ Lewis (1959), p. 96.
  8. ^ Anthony (1991), pp. 213–215.
  9. ^ Merriam-Webster dictionary online Archived 2013-02-02 at the Wayback Machine accessed 21 March 2013.
  10. ^ Moore, John Weeks (1880) [1854]. "Aria di bravura" . Complete Encyclopaedia of Music. New York: C. H. Ditson & Company.
  11. ^ "Aria buffa" in Webster's 1913 Dictionary
  12. ^ Robinson (1962), pp. 34–35.
  13. ^ Cited in Robinson (1962), p. 33. (Translation slightly adapted).
  14. ^ Platoff (1990), pp. 99–100.
  15. ^ Wagner (1995), pp. 26–27.
  16. ^ a b c Westrup et al. (n.d.), §5.1
  17. ^ Westrup et al. (n.d.), §5.2..
  18. ^ The Oxford Companion to Music, "Concert aria"
  19. ^ Westrup et al. (n.d.), Introduction.
  20. ^ Boosey and Hawkes Archived 2013-05-04 at the Wayback Machine website, accessed 21 March 2013
  21. ^ "Birtwistle – Grimethorpe Aria for brass ensemble". Universal Edition. Archived from the original on 28 April 2018. Retrieved 28 April 2018.

Sources

External links[edit]