Recitative
noun
A style of speech-like singing in opera, not as melodic as a regular song.
The recitative part of the opera was quite moving and captivating.
Often appears as...
- perform a recitative
- recitative style
Usage tips
Musical
adjective
Something related to the style of speech-like singing in opera.
The music had a recitative quality that felt almost conversational.
Often appears as...
- recitative quality
- recitative style
Usage tips
Musical
noun
A style of speech-like singing in opera, not as melodic as a regular song.
The recitative part of the opera was quite moving and captivating.
Often appears as...
- perform a recitative
- recitative style
Usage tips
Musical
adjective
Something related to the style of speech-like singing in opera.
The music had a recitative quality that felt almost conversational.
Often appears as...
- recitative quality
- recitative style
Usage tips
Musical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Operatic Dialogue
Recitative is often used to advance the opera’s storyline, resembling spoken dialogue more than song.
The characters argued in recitative, revealing the plot.
Pro Tip 2/3Musical Contrast
Recitatives provide a contrast to arias in operas, offering a break from highly melodic sections.
After the aria, the recitative set a different mood with its speech-like melody.
Pro Tip 3/3Backdrop Harmony
Recitative singing is usually supported by simple chordal accompaniment, not elaborate music.
The piano kept a simple harmony under the singer's recitative lines.
Pro Tip 1/3Operatic Dialogue
Recitative is often used to advance the opera’s storyline, resembling spoken dialogue more than song.
The characters argued in recitative, revealing the plot.
Pro Tip 2/3Musical Contrast
Recitatives provide a contrast to arias in operas, offering a break from highly melodic sections.
After the aria, the recitative set a different mood with its speech-like melody.
Pro Tip 3/3Backdrop Harmony
Recitative singing is usually supported by simple chordal accompaniment, not elaborate music.
The piano kept a simple harmony under the singer's recitative lines.
Pro Tip 1/3Operatic Dialogue
Recitative is often used to advance the opera’s storyline, resembling spoken dialogue more than song.
The characters argued in recitative, revealing the plot.
Pro Tip 2/3Musical Contrast
Recitatives provide a contrast to arias in operas, offering a break from highly melodic sections.
After the aria, the recitative set a different mood with its speech-like melody.
Pro Tip 3/3Backdrop Harmony
Recitative singing is usually supported by simple chordal accompaniment, not elaborate music.
The piano kept a simple harmony under the singer's recitative lines.
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Quote examples
Lea Salonga
Filipino Actress
In the modern operas that 'Miss Saigon' and 'Les Miz' are, nobody breaks out into song from conventional book dialogue. Everything is sung from beginning to end, including the recitative.
Quote examples
Dennis DeYoung
American Musician
If you are going to take me a to a musical, you'd better give me three songs that I'm gonna like. Nobody goes to the opera for the recitative. They go for the aria.
Quote examples
Lea Salonga
Filipino Actress
In the modern operas that 'Miss Saigon' and 'Les Miz' are, nobody breaks out into song from conventional book dialogue. Everything is sung from beginning to end, including the recitative.
Quote examples
Dennis DeYoung
American Musician
If you are going to take me a to a musical, you'd better give me three songs that I'm gonna like. Nobody goes to the opera for the recitative. They go for the aria.
Example 1 of 2
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