What does recitative mean?

Definitions for recitative
ˌrɛs ɪ təˈtivrecita·tive

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word recitative.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. recitativenoun

    a vocal passage of narrative text that a singer delivers with natural rhythms of speech

Wiktionary

  1. recitativenoun

    dialogue, in an opera etc, that, rather than being sung as an aria, is reproduced with the rhythms of normal speech, often with simple musical accompaniment or harpsichord continuo, serving to expound the plot

  2. recitativeadjective

    of a recital

  3. Etymology: From recitativo, from recitare, from recito

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

  1. Recitative, Recitativonoun

    A kind of tuneful pronunciation, more musical than common speech, and less than song; chaunt.

    Etymology: from recite.

    He introduced the examples of moral virtue, writ in verse, and performed in recitative musick. Dryden.

    By singing peers upheld on either hand,
    Then thus in quaint recitativo spoke. Dunciad, b. iv.

Wikipedia

  1. Recitative

    Recitative (, also known by its Italian name "recitativo" ([retʃitaˈtiːvo])) is a style of delivery (much used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas) in which a singer is allowed to adopt the rhythms and delivery of ordinary speech. Recitative does not repeat lines as formally composed songs do. It resembles sung ordinary speech more than a formal musical composition. Recitative can be distinguished on a continuum from more speech-like to more musically sung, with more sustained melodic lines. The mostly syllabic recitativo secco ("dry", accompanied only by continuo, typically cello and harpsichord) is at one end of the spectrum, through recitativo accompagnato (using orchestra), the more melismatic arioso, and finally the full-blown aria or ensemble, where the pulse is entirely governed by the music. Secco recitatives can be more improvisatory and free for the singer, since the accompaniment is so sparse; in contrast, when recitative is accompanied by orchestra, the singer must perform in a more structured way. The term recitative (or occasionally liturgical recitative) is also applied to the simpler formulas of Gregorian chant, such as the tones used for the epistle, gospel, preface and collects; see accentus.

ChatGPT

  1. recitative

    Recitative is a style of vocal music in operas, oratorios, and cantatas that is more like speech than a song. It is used to convey the narrative or dialogue in a direct and expressive manner, often used to move the plot forward, typically accompanied by minimal instrumental accompaniment.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Recitativenoun

    a species of musical recitation in which the words are delivered in a manner resembling that of ordinary declamation; also, a piece of music intended for such recitation; -- opposed to melisma

  2. Recitativeadjective

    of or pertaining to recitation; intended for musical recitation or declamation; in the style or manner of recitative

  3. Etymology: [It. recitativo, or F. rcitatif. See Recite.]

Wikidata

  1. Recitative

    Recitative, also known by its Italian name "recitativo", is a style of delivery in which a singer is allowed to adopt the rhythms of ordinary speech. The mostly syllabic recitativo secco is at one end of a spectrum through recitativo accompagnato, the more melismatic arioso, and finally the full-blown aria or ensemble, where the pulse is entirely governed by the music. Recitative does not repeat lines as formally composed songs do. It resembles sung ordinary speech more than a formal musical composition. The term recitative is also applied to the simpler formulas of Gregorian chant, such as the tones used for the Epistle and Gospel, preface and collects.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of recitative in Chaldean Numerology is: 5

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of recitative in Pythagorean Numerology is: 4

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"recitative." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/recitative>.

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