recitative

¹

[ res-i-tey-tiv, ri-sahy-tuh- ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or of the nature of recital.

recitative

²

[ res-i-tuh-teev ]

adjective

1. of the nature of or resembling recitation or declamation.

noun

1. a style of vocal music intermediate between speaking and singing.
2. a passage, part, or piece in this style.

recitative

¹

/ ˌrɛsɪtəˈtiːv /

noun

1. a passage in a musical composition, esp the narrative parts in an oratorio, set for one voice with either continuo accompaniment only or full accompaniment, reflecting the natural rhythms of speech

recitative

²

/ rɪˈsaɪtətɪv /

adjective

1. of or relating to recital

recitative

1. A part of a cantata , opera , or oratorio in which singers converse, describe action, or declaim. It moves the action forward between the high musical moments. Recitatives are distinguished from arias , which are more expressive and musically more elaborate. Recitatives usually have only one syllable of text for each note of music, and the accompaniment by instruments is often very simple.

Word History and Origins

Origin of recitative¹

First recorded in 1855–60; recite + -ative

Origin of recitative²

From the Italian word recitativo, dating back to 1635–45; recite, -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of recitative¹

C17: from Italian recitativo ; see recite

Example Sentences

It may be compared with the invention of recitative in the beginning of the seventeenth century.

From Project Gutenberg

The recitative is given with increased vigor, and the chorus swells with increasing volume.

From Project Gutenberg

The piece frequently commences with a recitative by one voice, and at the end of the first line the chorus joins.

From Project Gutenberg

Then Mrs. Jack Evarts whispered so audibly to a man at her side that she broke in upon Margaret's clear recitative.

From Project Gutenberg

The reading of each couplet by the minister before it was sung seemed to him a sort of recitative.

From Project Gutenberg