Recitative usually accompanied by a keyboard or other continuo instrument instead of by an orchestra; an instance of this.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in John Macculloch (1773–1835), surgeon and geologist. From Italian recitativo secco, lit. ‘dry recitative’ from recitativo + secco.
Definition of recitativo secco in US English:
recitativo secco
nounrɛtʃɪtəˌtivəʊ ˈsɛkəʊ
Music
Recitative usually accompanied by a keyboard or other continuo instrument instead of by an orchestra; an instance of this.
Origin
Early 19th century; earliest use found in John Macculloch (1773–1835), surgeon and geologist. From Italian recitativo secco, lit. ‘dry recitative’ from recitativo + secco.