parlando

Parlando is a musical term denoting a vocal style in which the sung delivery approaches spoken language. The Italian word meaning “speaking” is used in musicology and performance practice to mark passages where the text is declaimed with rhythm and inflection similar to ordinary speech rather than in sustained sung pitches. It often serves as a bridge between recitative and aria, or as a means to convey naturalistic dialogue within an otherwise musical setting.

Practically, parlando favors clear diction, syllabic setting, and rhythmic flexibility. Singers may employ rapid, speech-like syllables, variable tempo, and emphasis on consonants to convey meaning or character. The approach contrasts with strict legato singing or with formal recitative, offering a manner of delivery that preserves linguistic immediacy within music. Notation is not always strict; the term may be indicated in the score, or implied by context or performance practice.

Historically, parlando has appeared at various times in opera and vocal music as composers sought a more naturalistic or conversational flow. In the 20th century, related concepts—such as Sprechstimme in German expressionism—emerged as explicit notational methods for speech-like singing, while parlando remains a broader, sometimes looser term describing the speech-like delivery used across different repertoires. Today, the term is primarily encountered in musicological discussion and performance annotations to guide text delivery.