stile rappresentativo
(STEE-lay rah-pree-sen-tah-TEE-voe)


[It., theatrical style]

A style of singing developed in the early Italian operas of the late 16th century that is more expressive than speech, but not as melodious as song. It is a dramatic recitative style of the early Baroque era in which melodies move freely over a foundation of simple chords.

SUGGESTED LISTENING EXAMPLE:

Caccini: Amarilli mia bella
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 2, Track 52
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