recital

noun

re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsī-tᵊl 

1

a

: a detailed account : enumeration

a recital of names and dates

b

: the act or process or an instance of reciting

c

: discourse, narration

a colorful recital of a night on the town

2

a

: a concert given by an individual musician or dancer or by a dance troupe

b

: a public exhibition of skill given by music or dance pupils

recitalist

ri-ˈsī-tᵊl-ist 

noun

Examples of recital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like a living time machine, his storytelling gives life to recitals, lectures, TEDx talks, initiatives, and online and social media events. —Maddalena Fossati, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 2024

Now the celebrated artist and Grammy nominee makes a stop on her international tour at 7 p.m. Sunday in Burlingame to play a recital on the Music at Kohl Mansion series. —Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024

Microtonal bassoonist Jonny Reinhard: In his West Coast premiere, this composer-conductor will perform a solo recital. —The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2024

Between March 31 and April 5, 2025, the finalists will return for chamber music recitals with the DoverQuartet, a solo recital and performances with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. —The Indianapolis Star, 14 Mar. 2024

For some budding musicians (and even old pros), the very sight of sheet music can elicit a fight-or-flight response, bringing up painful memories of strict piano teachers and high-pressure recitals. —Tristan Geary, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024

But the January recital by violinist Hilary Hahn is near the top for me. —David Lyman, The Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2024

Smith’s spoken-word recital, which Ferrara had originally filmed for a separate documentary, is set against a heavy, doom-laden score while abstract images project onto a giant screen behind her in Paris’ Center Pompidou. —Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024

In May 2023, Josh shared a sweet series of photos of her first dance recital on his Instagram Story. —Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

recital

noun

re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl 

1

: a reciting of something

especially : a story told in detail

2

: a program of music usually given by a single performer

a piano recital

3

: a public performance by music or dance pupils

recitalist

-ᵊl-əst 

noun

Legal Definition

recital

noun

re·​ci·​tal ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl 

: a formal statement or setting forth of some relevant matter of fact in a deed or other document

Note: A recital is often preceded by whereas.