recitative

recitative Definition

reci·ta·tive (res′ə tə tēv′)

noun

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
a work or passage in this style
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

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.

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