- published: 21 Jun 2013
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Recitative (/ˌrɛsɪtəˈtiːv/, also known by its Italian name "recitativo" ([retʃitaˈtiːvo])) is a style of delivery (much used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas) in which a singer is allowed to adopt the rhythms of ordinary speech. Recitative does not repeat lines as formally composed songs do. It resembles sung ordinary speech more than a formal musical composition.
Recitative can be distinguished on a continuum from more speech-like to more musical. The mostly syllabic recitativo secco ("dry", accompanied only by continuo) is at one end of a spectrum through recitativo accompagnato (using orchestra), the more melismatic arioso, and finally the full-blown aria or ensemble, where the pulse is entirely governed by the music.
The term recitative (or occasionally liturgical recitative) is also applied to the simpler formulas of Gregorian chant, such as the tones used for the Epistle, Gospel, preface and collects; see accentus.
The first use of recitative in opera was preceded by the monodies of the Florentine Camerata in which Vincenzo Galilei, father of the astronomer Galileo Galilei, played an important role. The elder Galilei, influenced by his correspondence with Girolamo Mei on the writings of the ancient Greeks and with Erycius Puteanus on the writings of Hucbald and wishing to recreate the old manner of storytelling and drama, pioneered the use of a single melodic line to tell the story, accompanied by simple chords from a harpsichord or lute.
In this video we'll get into the details of how to interpret and perform recitative. Soprano Gina Lunde works on the recitative preceding Zerlina's aria "Batti, Batti" from Mozart's opera Don Giovanni. Please feel free to join the conversation at: http://musicalexchange.carnegiehall.org/group/voice/forum/topics/how-to-perform-recitative
Elena Xanthoudakis sings recitative and aria 'Deh, vieni, non tardar' from Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, with The Melbourne Musicians directed by Frank U Pam. Melba Hall, 28 March 2012
A quick definition of the opera term "recitative." It's a little break from the more complicated singing. Want to go to the opera, but you're not sure you'll understand what's going on? "We Love Opera" is a video series from Socratica that will help you understand what opera is all about. Opera can be exciting, funny, sad, and beautiful. Opera is for everyone! Please Subscribe! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=SocraticaStudios Opera Lover: Louise McCartney Director: Michael Harrison Written and Produced by Kimberly Hatch Harrison
How does a plot get furthered through music? In this clip, Leonard Bernstein explains the device of recitative. Bernstein demonstrates a scenario in the operatic styles of Mozart, Verdi, and Wagner. From the Archive of American Television Presents: "American Musical Comedy" from an "Omnibus" Telecast featuring Leonard Bernstein. Leonard Bernstein, Guest Alistair Cooke, Host John Bulter, Choreographer Robert Saudek, Producer Charles S. Dubin, Director Broadcast Live on ABC Television Network, October 7, 1956. Full program available in the Leonard Bernstein store: http://store.leonardbernstein.com/product/leonard-bernstein-omnibus © 1990 RSA Venture LLC. Licensed by Broad Reach Enterprises, Inc.
Recitative in the second of Don Giovanni. Alla Scala production with Gustavo Dudamel
Sarah Kochevar, 11, and friends give a lesson in opera.
Handel's Messiah | Recitative No. 2 Comfort Ye. New Saint Andrews College choir Soloist: Ross Hauck http://www.romanroadsmedia.com
Così Fan Tutte, conducted by Gardiner at the Thèàtre du Châtelet, Paris. Despina: Eirian James. Fiordiligi: Amanda Roocroft. Dorabella: Rosa Mannion.
John Eliot Gardiner - The English Baroque Soloists, Peter Harvey - bass-baritone "Ich habe genug", BWV 82 Solo-Cantate zum Festo Purificationis Mariae (the Feast of the Purification of Mary, 2 February)