a passage in a musical composition, esp the narrative parts in an oratorio, set for one voice with either continuo accompaniment only or full accompaniment, reflecting the natural rhythms of speech
Word origin
C17: from Italian recitativo
recitative in British English2
(rɪˈsaɪtətɪv)
adjective
of or relating to recital
recitative in American English
(ˌrɛsətəˈtiv)
noun Music
1.
a type of declamatory singing, with the rhythm and tempo of speech, but uttered in musical tones, used in the prose parts and dialogue of operas and oratorios
2.
a work or passage in this style
3.
music for such passages
adjective
4.
having the nature, or in the style or manner, of recitative