Which opera utilized recitativo accompagnato?

• A. La Traviata
• B. The Magic Flute
• C. Orfeo ed Euridice
• D. Don Giovanni

Answer: (C)

Recitativo accompagnato means singing that moves the story forward with orchestral support, rather than the bare continuo that characterizes recitativo secco. This approach heightens emotion and drama by letting the orchestra participate more fully in the narration.

Orfeo ed Euridice is a landmark example because Gluck’s reform operas aimed to make drama feel more natural, using accompaniment to back the vocal line in recitatives to heighten expressiveness and propel the plot. In this work, the recitatives are often accompanied by the orchestra, illustrating the technique clearly.

The other operas listed are not defined by this feature: Verdi’s La Traviata and Mozart’s Don Giovanni rely on the standard mix of arias, ensembles, and recitatives, with recitatives typically less distinguished as “accompanied recitative.” The Magic Flute blends spoken dialogue with music and arias in a different stylistic approach, not primarily focused on accompanied recitative as a defining trait.