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Monday, 6 February 2023

Higher February Revision 6: RECITATIVE

Recitative

Found in opera or oratorio. Solo singer, sort 
of like rhythmic speech. The accompaniment 
will be fairly simple, offering chordal support 
of the soloist. Don't confuse with aria which, 
although also found in opera and oratorio is a 
11song - longer, usually more going on in the 
accompaniment. In the first example below, 
we hear a recitative followed by an aria. 
Listen for the simple accompaniment (just 
sustained chords) during the recitative, then 
the more animated piano during the aria 
which starts at 0.50. Notice the perfect 
cadence just before this which usually 
signifies the end of a recitative.





In the example below, notice the sustained chords supporting the recitative.




Recitatives are usually followed by arias. In
the example below, notice the dramatic
recitative accompanied by simple piano
chords. The far more melodic sounding aria
begins around 1m 33s.




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