How Do You Spell RECITATIVES?

Pronunciation: [ɹɪsˈɪtətˌɪvz] (IPA)

The word "recitatives" is spelled with the letter "c" followed by the letters "i" and "t", but pronounced with a "sh" sound instead of a "k" sound. This unusual pronunciation comes from the word's origin in Italian opera, where the term "recitativo" describes a style of singing that uses a more spoken, conversational tone. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is represented as [ˌrɛsəˈtɑtɪvz], with the "sh" sound indicated by the "s" and "t" combination.

RECITATIVES Meaning and Definition

1. Recitatives are a form of musical composition commonly found in opera, oratorio, and occasionally in other vocal or choral works. They are a type of sung dialogue that provides narrative or dramatic information to move the plot forward.

   Unlike traditional songs or arias, recitatives are characterized by a speech-like delivery, with the melody and rhythm following the natural patterns of speech. This allows the text to be clearly understood, as the music is subservient to the words. Recitatives often have sparse accompaniment, usually from a keyboard instrument such as a harpsichord or piano, which provides a harmonic framework for the singer.

   Recitatives are used to convey exposition, dialogue, description, and action in a dramatic manner. They can vary in style, ranging from secco recitatives, where the accompaniment is limited to simple chordal support, to accompanied recitatives, which have more elaborate instrumental accompaniment.

   In opera, recitatives play a crucial role in linking the various musical numbers together, guiding the audience through the narrative. They help develop the characterizations, emotions, and relationships of the characters onstage.

   Recitatives originated in the early Baroque period and have since evolved and adapted to different styles and contexts. They continue to be an integral part of many vocal genres, providing a means to effectively convey dramatic elements and advance the storyline through the power of music and words.

Common Misspellings for RECITATIVES

• negitatives
• recitativs
• eecitatives
• decitatives
• fecitatives
• tecitatives
• 5ecitatives
• 4ecitatives
• rwcitatives
• rscitatives
• rdcitatives
• rrcitatives
• r4citatives
• r3citatives
• rexitatives
• revitatives
• recititaves
• Resivatives

Etymology of RECITATIVES

The word "recitative" has its etymology in Italian. It comes from the Italian word "recitativo", which is the noun form of the present participle of the verb "recitare", meaning "to recite" or "to act". The Italian term "recitativo" was used to describe a vocal style in between singing and speaking that emerged during the late 16th century. This style was commonly used in opera, oratorio, and other forms of musical drama, where it served as a means of advancing the plot through spoken dialogue delivered in a musical manner. Over time, the term "recitative" made its way into other languages, including English, to describe a particular type of vocal solo that follows a more speech-like rhythm and structure than regular singing.

Similar spelling words for RECITATIVES

• recitative,
• restitute,
• recitation.