Recitative (Noun)
Meaning
A vocal passage of narrative text that a singer delivers with natural rhythms of speech.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The opera's recitative sections were often criticized for being too long and wordy, making it difficult for the audience to follow the plot.
- In the recitative, the singer's voice rose and fell with the natural cadence of spoken language, creating a sense of drama and tension.
- The composer carefully crafted the recitative to mimic the rhythms of everyday conversation, making the characters' dialogue feel more authentic and relatable.
- The recitative was a crucial element of the musical, as it provided the audience with important background information and context for the story.
- The singer's ability to deliver the recitative with conviction and nuance brought the character to life and added depth to the performance.