What is a secco recitative?

In the context of Western classical music, a secco recitative is a type of recitative performed without the support of a bass continuo (a chordal accompaniment). As opposed to a recitative accompagnato, which has an accompanying chordal instrument (e.g. harpsichord), secco recitative simply alternates between a single, unaccompanied vocal line and short spoken phrases with chordal support.

Secco recitatives are frequently employed in Baroque opera and oratorios, where they serve as a kind of musical shorthand to convey narrative or dialogue between characters in the story being presented. They are also commonly found in sacred choral music, such as Bach's passions.

By their very nature, secco recitatives place greater emphasis on the delivery and clarity of the text, allowing for a more dramatic interpretation and a direct communication with the audience. The vocal line in secco recitative often follows the natural rhythm and intonation of speech, mimicking the rhythm of natural language and emphasizing the text's meaning.

Secco recitatives demand technical agility from the performer, requiring them to move swiftly between sung and spoken phrases, often accompanied by dramatic gestures or actions onstage. This fluidity makes secco recitatives a vital part of the storytelling process, allowing the drama and emotion of the moment to shine through.