Recitative n. : A species of musical recitation in which the words are delivered in a manner resembling that of ordinary declamation; also, a piece of music intended for such recitation; -- opposed to melisma.

Recitative a. : Of or pertaining to recitation; intended for musical recitation or declamation; in the style or manner of recitative.

Example:
where can I get the "Recitative for bass" sheet music for free?

Taxonomy
recitative, operas, accompanied recitative, liturgical recitative, free encyclopedia, harpsichord, recitativo secco, recitativo accompagnato, the orchestra, singer, music, arias, Wagner's operas, the Florentine, instruments, Italian name, cantatas, Origins.

Defination from the web:
recitative in opera was preceded by the monodies of the Florentine Camerata in which Vincenzo Galilei, father of the astronomer ... Secco recitative, popularized in Florence though the proto-opera music dramas of Jacopo Peri and Giulio Caccini during the late 16th century, ...