recitative

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. 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.
adj
  1. of a recital

Pronunciation

/ɹɛsɪtəˈtiːv/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-recitative (noun).wav /ɹɛˈsaɪtətɪv/ /ˈɹɛsɪteɪtɪv/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-recitative (adj).wav

Word forms

recitative recitatives more recitative most recitative

Etymology

From Italian recitativo, from recitare, from Latin recitō.

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