What best describes instrumental recitative in the Classical era as used by C. P. E. Bach?

• A. Strict rhythm and regular phrases
• B. More free rhythm, following inflections and cadences of natural speech
• C. Fugue-like counterpoint
• D. Solo violin arias with ornamentation

Answer: (B)

Instrumental recitative aims to imitate spoken language in music, so the rhythm and pacing bend to how the words would be spoken rather than staying in a strict meter. In the Classical era, and in C. P. E. Bach’s usage, this means freer rhythms that follow the natural inflections and cadences of speech, allowing the music to carry dialogue or narrative with immediacy. This approach helps bridge prose-like storytelling and musical texture without locking into rigid phrases, unlike a strictly metered, regular line, or a contrapuntal, fugue-like texture, or an aria-based, ornamented violin solo.