parlando
Quick Summary
Parlando is a musical term, derived from the Italian word for "speaking," that describes a style of singing or playing an instrument in a manner that suggests speech. It is characterized by a flexible rhythm that follows the natural cadence of spoken language, rather than a strict musical meter.1
This technique is often used in opera, particularly in recitative passages, to convey dialogue and advance the plot. While singing typically involves precise pitches and sustained notes, parlando incorporates the melodic inflections and rhythmic patterns of speech. It allows for a more direct and communicative delivery, bridging the gap between spoken word and musical expression.23
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- singingMid-19th century departure from bel canto style
…singers, and also the still-later parlando singers, who effected a union of speech and singing, made a conscious use of resonation in this way and differed from the bel canto singers in that they exercised less control over physical mechanisms.
Read More…singers, and also the still-later parlando singers, who effected a union of speech and singing, made a conscious use of resonation in this way and differed from the bel canto singers in that they exercised less control over physical mechanisms.
Read More - speechSinging and speaking
Parlando singing is a speaking type of song, used in the recitativo of Italian opera style. In these intentionally communicative preludes to formal arias—because they tell most of the story—the rhythm of the spoken word is incorporated into the melody, which, in turn, to a…
Read MoreParlando singing is a speaking type of song, used in the recitativo of Italian opera style. In these intentionally communicative preludes to formal arias—because they tell most of the story—the rhythm of the spoken word is incorporated into the melody, which, in turn, to a…
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