recitative

(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

Origin: It recitativo < L recitare, recite

adjective

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

See recitative in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Of, relating to, or having the character of a recital or recitation.

noun In both senses also called recitativo.

A style used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas in which the text is declaimed in the rhythm of natural speech with slight melodic variation and little orchestral accompaniment.
A passage rendered in this style.

Origin:

Origin: Italian recitativo

Origin: , from recitare, to recite

Origin: , from Latin recitāre; see recite

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