1. a style of vocal music that imitates the rhythms and inflections of speech, used especially in opera and oratorio
Usage: music

1. of or relating to recitative; having the character of recitative
Usage: music

Examples

• The opera began with a dramatic recitative that told the story’s background.
• Mozart’s recitatives perfectly capture the natural flow of conversation.
• The singer delivered the recitative with great emotional intensity.
• Between the arias, recitative passages moved the plot forward.
• The composer wrote both accompanied and simple recitative sections.
• Her recitative style made the ancient text feel modern and alive.