recitative

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

recitative
    n 1: a vocal passage of narrative text that a singer delivers
         with natural rhythms of speech

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Recitative \Rec`i*ta*tive"\ (r[e^]s`[i^]*t[.a]*t[=e]v"), n. [It.
   recitativo, or F. r['e]citatif. See {Recite}.] (Mus.)
   A species of musical recitation in which the words are
   delivered in a manner resembling that of ordinary
   declamation; also, a piece of music intended for such
   recitation; -- opposed to {melisma}.
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Recitative \Rec`i*ta*tive"\, a.
   Of or pertaining to recitation; intended for musical
   recitation or declamation; in the style or manner of
   recitative. -- {Rec`i*ta*tive"ly}, adv.
   [1913 Webster]

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