CultureAugust 23, 2026

recitatives

res-i-tah-TEEVZ

Definition

A style of delivery in which a singer adopts the rhythms of ordinary speech to advance the plot, serving as a bridge between more melodic musical numbers in an opera.

Etymology

Derived from the Italian 'recitativo,' meaning 'recited.' It entered English in the late 17th century to describe the musical technique of singing text in a manner closer to spoken language.

In the news

In this production, the conductor manages the recitatives on an electric piano to help clarify the plot and maintain the flow of the witty, fast-paced dialogue.

Danielle de Niese’s directorial debut is a brilliant, witty affair

Read the full article ↗

The Telegraph

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