Similar to text painting, recitative can have the same effect on a listener as they center their attention on the lyrics. Text painting could have more complex harmonies and rhythms to illustrate the text, however, recitative is strictly simple in its musical aspect and is more focused on the actual literature (Greene). Like Harris mentions in the “James Opera Encyclopedia,” recitative is a speech like style that enhances the sound of the voice. This is important for this specific text from the book of Luke, chapter two, verses eight through fourteen. This narrative illustrates the angel describing the message to the shepherds which is an exciting moment for them to witness. The shepherds were not people that would not normally hear this news which is why it sticks out even more that the angel tell them the message. Following the recitative sections, accompagnato, were the more melodic lines that were meant to elaborate what was just sung in the recitative section. It was almost like it was the ornamented version of the recitative. This style of recitative followed by an accompagnato became quite popular as it emphasized the
Similar to text painting, recitative can have the same effect on a listener as they center their attention on the lyrics. Text painting could have more complex harmonies and rhythms to illustrate the text, however, recitative is strictly simple in its musical aspect and is more focused on the actual literature (Greene). Like Harris mentions in the “James Opera Encyclopedia,” recitative is a speech like style that enhances the sound of the voice. This is important for this specific text from the book of Luke, chapter two, verses eight through fourteen. This narrative illustrates the angel describing the message to the shepherds which is an exciting moment for them to witness. The shepherds were not people that would not normally hear this news which is why it sticks out even more that the angel tell them the message. Following the recitative sections, accompagnato, were the more melodic lines that were meant to elaborate what was just sung in the recitative section. It was almost like it was the ornamented version of the recitative. This style of recitative followed by an accompagnato became quite popular as it emphasized the