Recitative vs. Accompagnato — What's the Difference?

Recitative (, 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 and delivery of ordinary speech. Recitative does not repeat lines as formally composed songs do.

(music) A tempo mark directing that a recitative is to be accompanied by the orchestra.

Musical declamation of the kind usual in the narrative and dialogue parts of opera and oratorio, sung in the rhythm of ordinary speech with many words on the same note

(music) A passage having this mark.

Of, relating to, or having the character of a recital or recitation.

(music) Accompanied by the orchestra.

A style used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas in which the text is declaimed in the rhythm of natural speech with slight melodic variation and little orchestral accompaniment.

(music) Describing a passage having this mark.

A passage rendered in this style. In both senses also called recitativo.

(music) dialogue, in an opera etc, that, rather than being sung as an aria, is reproduced with the rhythms of normal speech, often with simple musical accompaniment or harpsichord continuo, serving to expound the plot.

Of a recital

A species of musical recitation in which the words are delivered in a manner resembling that of ordinary declamation; also, a piece of music intended for such recitation; - opposed to melisma.

Of or pertaining to recitation; intended for musical recitation or declamation; in the style or manner of recitative.

A vocal passage of narrative text that a singer delivers with natural rhythms of speech