Recitative: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽถ
Add to dictionary

recitative

 

[ หŒrษ›sษชtษ™หˆtiv ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

music style

Recitative is a style of vocal performance in opera and oratorio that resembles speech. It is characterized by a free rhythm and is used to advance the plot or convey emotion. Unlike arias, recitatives are typically less melodic and are meant to be expressive and narrative.

Synonyms

dramatic monologue, sung speech, vocal recitation

Examples of usage

  • The recitative led into the dramatic aria.
  • She performed a recitative that set the stage for the applause.
  • The opera included several passages of recitative to enhance the storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "recitative" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น recitativo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคพเคฏเคจเคพเคคเฅเคฎเค• เคตเคฐเฅเคฃเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Rezitativ

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ resitatif

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะตั†ะธั‚ะฐั‚ะธะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ recytatyw

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒฌใƒใ‚ฟใƒ†ใ‚ฃใƒผใƒดใ‚ฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rรฉcitatif

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ recitativo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท rekitatif

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ ˆ์น˜ํƒ€ํ‹ฐ๋ณด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชู„ุงูˆุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ recitativ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ recitativ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆœ—่ฏต

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ recitativ

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rรฉcitativ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั€ะตั†ะธั‚ะฐั‚ะธะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ”แƒชแƒ˜แƒขแƒแƒขแƒ˜แƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ recitativo

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ recitativo

Etymology

The term 'recitative' comes from the Italian word 'recitativo', which is derived from the Latin 'recitare', meaning 'to read aloud'. This reflects the primary characteristic of recitative, which is its close relationship to spoken language. It emerged in the late 16th century as part of the early Baroque opera. Composers like Monteverdi and later Handel and Bach utilized this form to create a more dynamic interplay between music and drama. As opera evolved, recitative began to incorporate more melodic elements, yet it remained distinct in its function to propel the narrative forward. Over time, this style has been an essential element of Western classical music, influencing various genres and maintaining its relevance in contemporary performances.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,878, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.