How to pronounce recitative
Say it like res-ih-tuh-TEEV. Recitative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TEEV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce recitative. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- res
- ih
- tuh
- TEEV
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Recitative pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- resKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TEEVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of recitative
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: res-ih-tuh-TEEV.
What does recitative mean?
- dialogue, in an opera etc, that, rather than being sung as an aria, is reproduced with the rhythms of normal speech, often with simple musical accompaniment or harpsichord continuo, serving to expound the plot.
- of a recital
Where does recitative come from?
From Italian recitativo, from recitare, from Latin recitō.
Words that rhyme with recitative
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of recitative.
Questions about saying recitative
How do you pronounce recitative?
Say res-ih-tuh-TEEV. The American pronunciation is /rɛsɪtəˈtiv/. In British English it is /rɛsɪtəˈtiːv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in recitative?
Recitative has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (TEEV). Broken into parts: res · ih · tuh · TEEV.
Is recitative pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /rɛsɪtəˈtiːv/ (res-ih-tuh-TEEV).