In Metastasio's librettos, arias are described as what functioning for the audience?

• A. Arias are sung by chorus only.
• B. Arias are replaced by instrumental interludes.
• C. Arias are Greek choruses for the audience in stopped narrative time.
• D. Arias are only used at the end.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that in Metastasio’s librettos the aria functions as a chorus-like moment for the audience, pausing the plot to focus on inner emotion and public reflection. After a recitative that pushes the story forward, the solo singer’s aria gives a direct, often moral or universal statement of feeling. It’s like catching a character’s thoughts spoken aloud for everyone listening—a public address that lets the audience assess what’s happened, why it matters, and what it means for the stakes ahead.

This creates “stopped narrative time,” where the action on stage slows to a halt and the emotional or ethical dimensions are examined rather than advanced. The audience is invited to consider the character’s state of mind and the larger implications, much as a Greek chorus would offer commentary and perspective. That’s why the aria is best understood as the audience-facing, reflective moment in the drama. It isn’t about chorus singing, it isn’t interchangeable with instrumental interludes, and it isn’t reserved only for the end.