"Recitatif" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Recitatif" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers

Recitatif

"Recitatif" Meaning

In literature and poetry, a recitatif is a short section of narrative poetry that is meant to be read aloud (recited) rather than sung. It's often written in a more conversational style and is meant to be expressive of emotion and tone of voice.

The term "recitatif" comes from the French word for "recitation," and is often used interchangeably with "monologue" or "narrative poem." In a recitatif, the reader or speaker takes on a particular character or persona, and the poem is written in a way that explores their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Recitatifs often have a more personal and introspective tone than other forms of poetry, and are meant to be expressive and evocative rather than formal or polished. They can be used to tell stories, explore themes and emotions, or convey a particular point of view.

In music, a recitatif is often used in oratorios and musical compositions to convey narrative or dramatic elements. In this context, the recitatif is often set to music and is meant to be sung or recited with musical accompaniment.

In literature and poetry, notable examples of recitatifs can be found in the works of Romantic-era poets such as Coleridge, Wordsworth, and Byron, as well as in the works of modern poets such as T.S. Eliot and Gerard Manley Hopkins.

"Recitatif" Examples

Examples of Recitative

Recitatif is a musical term that refers to a type of vocal style characterized by a natural, conversational tone, often with minimal ornamentation. Here are five examples of recitatives in different contexts:

Music

The soprano's recitatif in Verdi's La Traviata is a memorable moment in the opera, where the character Violetta reveals her true emotions to Alfredo.
The recitatif in J.S. Bach's Cantata No. 82 is a poignant expression of sorrow and resignation.

Literature

In Shakespeare's Hamlet, the prince's soliloquy (act 3, scene 1) can be described as a recitatif, where Hamlet grapples with his inner turmoil.
The narrative section of Walt Whitman's poetry, where the narrator describes everyday life and observations, can be seen as a form of recitatif.

Art

Edward Hopper's painting "Nighthawks" (1942) features a recitatif-like quality, with the patrons of the diner lost in quiet contemplation.
In literature and art, the term "recitatif' has also been used to describe the everyday conversation in paintings like those by Jean-François Millet, such as "The Gleaners" (1857), whose subjects speak in a quiet, recitatif-like manner.

Film

In cinema, a recitatif might be described as the quiet, unobtrusive style of narration in a movie like Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life (2011), where the voice-over comments on the unfolding events without dramatic flair.
The close-up shots in 1960's French New Wave films, like critic Vincent Canby's notes on the conversational style of Breathless (1960), show recitatif-like qualities, reflecting the everyday manner of the dialogue.

"Recitatif" Similar Words

Recirculating

The word "recirculating" refers to the process of circulating or circulating something back into the same place or system, so that it can be reused or repeated. This can refer to: Water, air, or gas being recirculated back into a system, such as a water treatment plant or an air conditioning system. Paint or materials being recirculated in an assembly line or manufacturing process. Ideas or concepts being recirculated or rehashed in a conversation or debate. Fluids being recirculated in an engine or mechanical system. In general, recirculating implies a continuous loop or cycle, where something is being constantly passed through or returned to a particular place or system.

Recirculation

Recision

Recission

Recit

Recital

Recitalist

A recitalist is a performer, typically a musician, who gives public recitals, which are performances of music, usually small-scale and formal.

Recitals

Recitation

Recitational

Recitations

Recitative

Recitative is a type of singing style in opera and other forms of vocal music. It is a form of sung speech, where the singer imitates ordinary speech as much as possible, using a natural, conversational rhythm and phrasing. In recitative, the singer does not use the same kind of melodic ornamentation or melodic patterns that are typical of aria singing. Instead, the pitch and rhythm are more free-flowing and conversational, as if the singer were speaking the lyrics rather than singing. Recitative is often used in opera to provide a contrast to the more formal, melodic singing of the arias. It is typically used to move the story forward, by conveying speech or dialogue that is essential to the plot. In some cases, recitative can also be used to create a sense of drama or tension, by using more rapid speech or heightened emotions. There are two main types of recitative: secco recitative and accompagnato recitative. - Secco recitative: This type of recitative is sung without accompaniment, or with a minimal accompaniment, and is often used to tell the story or move the plot forward. - Accompagnato recitative: This type of recitative is sung to a figured bass accompaniment, which is a type of accompaniment that provides a melodic outline for the singer. Overall, recitative is an important aspect of opera and other forms of vocal music, and is used to create a realistic and engaging connection between the singer and the audience.