recitative
A style of vocal delivery that follows the rhythms of speech, used to advance the plot in opera.
In Depth
In 18th-century opera, recitative was the section where the audience talked, ate, and socialised. Only when the arias began did they fall silent and pay attention.
Related Terms
More in Form
Browse allA 32-bar song form consisting of four 8-bar sections: two statements of the theme, a contrasting bridge, and a return
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A self-contained song for a solo voice, typically in an opera or oratorio.
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