Recitals

Recitals are performances focused on a particular performer or small group, typically involving live presentation of repertoire in music, dance, or related arts. In classical music, a recital usually features one artist or a duet or small ensemble presenting a cohesive program, rather than a full symphony concert. Recitals are common in music education and academia, where students organize public performances to demonstrate technique and artistic growth. Programs may last from 20 to 60 minutes and are often scheduled within department concert series or at community venues such as recital halls or schools. Tickets are usually inexpensive or free for students and families, and recital programs may include brief biographical notes or program annotations.

Litigation and contract law use the term recital to describe introductory statements at the beginning of a document. In legal writing, recitals (also called whereas clauses or preambles) provide facts, context, or purpose that inform interpretation of the operative terms. They are generally not considered operative obligations, but they can influence meaning, scope, and remedies if ambiguity arises.

Historically, the word recital derives from Latin recitare, to read aloud, via French or English usage. The practice expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries as public and private performances became common, eventually becoming an established format in music education. In other arts, recitals may include poetry, storytelling, or dance demonstrations, and performers may use video or multimedia in contemporary settings.