Recitatives - Compendium of sources (1672-1775)

Recitatives play a dominant part in the music of the 17th and 18th centuries. The recitatives first appeared in the new musical genres of the opera and the “new music” around 1600. In later periods, apart from their prominent role in opera, they can often be found in oratories and cantatas. Curiously, there are not many sources that touch the subject of recitatives, and especially concerning the accompaniment thereof. Here is a selection of sources that were originally collected by J. B. Christensen. Although selected music examples are brought here, it is recommended to read the original texts and see the examples in context (links to the complete sources are supplied).

A very common feature found in recitatives is the change of harmony over a sustained bass. This was addressed in the first treatises that discussed the subject. Here are examples from four Italian treatises and one Spanish treatise.