recitative

rec·i·ta·tive

noun \ˌre-sə-tə-ˈtēv, ˌres-tə-\

Definition of RECITATIVE

1

: a rhythmically free vocal style that imitates the natural inflections of speech and that is used for dialogue and narrative in operas and oratorios; also : a passage to be delivered in this style

2

: recitation 2

— recitative adjective

Examples of RECITATIVE

1. the second recitative of Act II
2. The opera made use of recitative.

Origin of RECITATIVE

Italian recitativo, from recitare to recite, from Latin

First Known Use: 1656

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

Rhymes with RECITATIVE

adam-and-eve, overachieve, terminal leave, ticket-of-leave, underachieve