An "aria" is a solo vocal piece typically found in operas, oratorios, and cantatas. It allows a singer to express emotions and showcase their vocal skills, often accompanied by an orchestra. Arias are characterized by their melodic lines and are usually more elaborate than simple songs. In the context of opera, an aria often highlights a character's feelings or thoughts at a crucial moment in the story. Famous examples include Mozart's "Queen of the Night" aria from The Magic Flute and Puccini's "Nessun dorma" from Turandot. These pieces are integral to the emotional depth of the performance.