See also: Recitative

English edit

Etymology edit

From Italian recitativo, from recitare, from Latin recitō.

Pronunciation edit

  • (noun)
    • IPA(key): /ɹɛsɪtəˈtiːv/
    • (file)
  • (adjective)
    • IPA(key): /ɹɛˈsaɪtətɪv/, /ˈɹɛsɪteɪtɪv/
    • (file)

Noun edit

recitative (plural recitatives)

  1. (music) 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.
    In Gilbert and Sullivan's Patience, Bunthorne performs the recitative "Am I Alone and Unobserved?" before going on to his solo aria "If You're Anxious For To Shine".

Translations edit

Adjective edit

recitative (comparative more recitative, superlative most recitative)

  1. of a recital

Italian edit

Adjective edit

recitative f pl

  1. feminine plural of recitativo

Anagrams edit