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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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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