recitato

Recitato is an Italian term—literally the past participle of recitare meaning “recited”—that appears in musicology to describe a declamatory, speech-like vocal delivery used within sung drama. In practice, recitato is closely associated with recitativo (recitative), the function of moving the plot forward between more melodic numbers in opera and oratorio.

In performance, recitato contrasts with aria or cantata arioso by emphasizing clear text setting, flexible tempo, and a narrow melodic range. Two common forms are recognized. Recitativo secco (dry recitative) is typically accompanied only by continuo, providing minimal harmonic support to support rapid speech-like delivery. Recitativo accompagnato (accompanied recitative) employs fuller orchestral or ensemble accompaniment to heighten dramatic moments.

Historically, recitato emerged in early Baroque practice as a means to imitate natural speech within song, becoming a central device in Italian opera. It was used to articulate character dialogue, advance action, and prepare more expansive numbers. While the term recitato is encountered in some scholarly writings, the standard English-language designation remains recitative (recitativo in Italian).

In modern usage, recitato can also appear as a descriptive label for passages delivered in a spoken- or declamatory manner within a work, or in scholarship to distinguish a more speech-like setting from fully lyrical singing. However, in everyday musical reference, recitativo remains the predominant term.

See also: Recitative, Opera, Baroque music, Monody.