Skip to content

recitativo

recitative

noun reh-see-tah-TEE-boh Rare

Origin: From Italian recitativo, from recitare, 'to recite'.

Usage Note

Recitativo is a musical term for a style of vocal delivery that follows the rhythm of natural speech, used in operas and oratorios to carry dialogue. It contrasts with aria, which is more melodically developed. The term is borrowed directly from Italian and used mostly in musicological contexts.

Examples

"El tenor cantó el recitativo con precisión."

Natural Translation

The tenor sang the recitative with precision.

Explore Spanish by topic