recitative Hear it!

recitative Definition

reci·ta·tive (res′ə tə tēv)

noun

  1. a type of declamatory singing, with the rhythm and tempo of speech, but uttered in musical tones, used in the prose parts and dialogue of operas and oratorios
  2. a work or passage in this style
  3. music for such passages

Etymology: It recitativo < L recitare, recite

adjective

having the nature, or in the style or manner, of recitative

recitative Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • replace: A German narration replaces the recitative and a tenor ( !

Adjective modifier

  • expressive: Brass contributes greatly to the effect and the highly expressive recitatives that follow set a standard for Mozart and others to follow.
  • brief: His cantata Amintas follows the traditional form: the two arias are preceded by relatively brief recitatives.

Modifies a noun

  • poetry: Recitative Poetry Recitative poetry also took its rise during this epoch at Rome.
  • section: This variation set and its coda is preceded by a large recitative section, further complicating the design!

Noun used with modifier

  • opening: After the opening recitative, three solo male voices represent the magi asking where they can find the new-born Jesus.