What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recitativo
Example
The recitativo in this aria is particularly expressive. [recitativo: noun]
Example
She sang the recitativo with great clarity and emotion. [recitativo: adjective]
sprechgesang
Example
The sprechgesang in this piece creates a haunting effect. [sprechgesang: noun]
Example
He used sprechgesang to convey the urgency of the lyrics. [sprechgesang: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recitativo is more commonly used in classical music and opera, while sprechgesang is more commonly used in modern and experimental music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recitativo and sprechgesang?
Recitativo is typically associated with a formal tone due to its association with classical music, while sprechgesang is often associated with an avant-garde or experimental tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.