Recitative

Definition

Recitative is a style of vocal music that mimics the natural rhythms of speech, typically used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas to advance the narrative and convey dialogue. It serves as a bridge between spoken dialogue and the more structured forms of song, allowing for a seamless transition in storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Recitative is divided into two main types: secco (dry) recitative, which is accompanied by simple chords, and accompagnato (accompanied) recitative, which features orchestral support for greater emotional impact.
2. The use of recitative became prominent in early opera as composers sought to convey dramatic action and character emotions through a more fluid musical form.
3. Composers like Monteverdi were pivotal in establishing recitative as a key element in opera, allowing for greater expressiveness and dramatic storytelling.
4. In oratorios and cantatas, recitative serves to narrate the story while arias provide moments of reflection and emotional depth, showcasing the contrast between these two forms.
5. Recitative laid the groundwork for later developments in operatic composition, influencing how composers approached vocal writing in both dramatic and sacred music contexts.

Review Questions

• How does recitative function within the structure of an opera or oratorio, particularly in relation to arias?
  • Recitative functions as a narrative tool that advances the plot and delivers dialogue within operas and oratorios. It contrasts with arias, which focus on emotional expression and are more melodic. While recitative drives the action forward with its speech-like quality, arias allow characters to express their feelings more deeply, thus creating a dynamic interplay between these two forms that enriches the overall storytelling.
• Compare secco and accompagnato recitative in terms of their musical characteristics and emotional effects.
  • Secco recitative is typically accompanied only by continuo instruments, resulting in a more speech-like delivery that prioritizes clarity of text over melody. In contrast, accompagnato recitative features orchestral support, adding emotional weight and dramatic tension to the narrative. This distinction allows composers to choose between a straightforward narrative approach or a more emotionally charged presentation depending on the context of the scene.
• Evaluate the contributions of composers like Monteverdi to the development of recitative and its role in shaping early opera.
  • Monteverdi played a crucial role in the development of recitative by integrating it into his operas, notably 'L'Orfeo', thereby elevating its importance as a dramatic device. His innovative use of both secco and accompagnato recitative allowed for greater flexibility in storytelling and character development. This approach influenced subsequent composers who adopted and refined these techniques, ensuring that recitative became an essential element in opera, enabling richer narratives and deeper emotional connections with the audience.

Related terms

Aria: A solo vocal piece in an opera or oratorio that expresses emotion and is typically more melodic and structured than recitative.

Monody: A style of music characterized by a single melodic line with instrumental accompaniment, which emerged in the late Renaissance and heavily influenced the development of recitative.

Secco Recitative: A type of recitative accompanied only by continuo instruments, allowing for a more speech-like delivery with less emphasis on melody.