Recitative is a form of musically notated dramatic speech, relatively free in form. Early recitative of the 17th century, with its origin in rhetorical theory and practice, allowed a greater variety of expression than the more formal recitative of the 18th century or later. Recitative became formally distinguished from the aria, the set song, which [..]

"style of musical declamation intermediate between speech and singing, form of song resembling declamation," 1650s, from Italian recitativo, from recitato, past participle of recitare, from [..]

A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.

In an opera, oratorio, cantata, or other multi-movement vocal compositions, a recitative is a narrative song that describes some action, thought, or emotion. The recitative follows the natural flow of [..]

  A speechlike, declamatory form of singing used in vocal works such as operas, oratorios, and cantatas. Recitatives are often characterized by rhythmic freedom.

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

a declamatory prose style of singing in operas, oratorios, and cantatas.

a reciting of words in a song-like way.

Declamatory style of singing, used particularly in opera, oratorio, and cantata, with a minimum of musical structure.

Emerged around 1600 as the most important turning point in music history. A vocal style designed to imitate and emphasize the natural inflections of speech, and to closely follow the meter. Recitative [..]

a declamatory style of vocal delivery designed to approximate the natural rhythms and inflections of speech. The recitative was first employed in opera, later in oratorios, passions, and cantatas.

A flexible style of vocal delivery employed in opera, oratorio, and cantata and tailored to the accents and rhythms of the text.

   A type of singing used in opera that is much less melodic than arias, and which often imitates the way the lines would be spoken. Sung to fairly simple musical accompaniment, recitative is often used for dialogue in opera.

Style of delivery in which a singer is allowed to adopt the rhythms of ordinary speech. Often used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas.

A sung speech that moves the action along by providing information

1) Declamatory style of singing, used particularly in opera, oratorio, and cantata, with a minimum of musical structure. 2) A section in that style, often preceding an aria.