What does recital mean?
A recital is chiefly a musical concert presented by a soloist or small ensemble, although it can also refer to a formal, detailed account of facts or events. The musical sense is widely used in everyday speech, while the legal and official senses tend to sound formal and institutional. In legal documents, a recital introduces the background or grounds for a decision, rule, or agreement before the operative provisions begin. The word comes from Latin and ultimately from recitare, meaning to read aloud or rehearse. This history reflects both the performance of music and the act of publicly stating prepared material. Recital is especially useful for describing an intimate, carefully prepared performance, as distinct from a large concert, and for recognizing a statement whose purpose is to set out context or reasons.
nounA musical performance or concert, especially one given by a soloist or small ensemble. The word can also mean a detailed enumeration or formal account of facts, especially in a legal or official context.
- A concert or musical performance, especially one featuring a soloist or small group.
- A detailed or formal statement of facts, events, or reasons.
- A legal or official preliminary statement setting out the background or grounds of a document or proceeding.
"The pianist gave a memorable recital of Chopin and Debussy at the concert hall."
"Her spring recital featured original compositions for piano and chamber ensemble."
"The document opens with a recital of the circumstances that led to the dispute."
The plural is used for multiple musical performances or for multiple formal statements or lists of facts.
"The pianist's recitals were held in a small, intimate hall."
A recital takes its name from the Latin verb recitare, meaning to read aloud or rehearse something before others.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recital come from?
The English word recital comes from the late Middle English via French from Latin recitare, formed from re- and citare, meaning to call or summon. Its original sense referred to a public reading or recital of a text, and the musical use developed from the idea of performing prepared material before an audience. Related forms include recite, recitation, and recitative, all reflecting the shared root of reading or announcing aloud.
How recital is actually used
In its musical sense, recital is common in British and US English. Its legal and administrative sense is formal and often appears in phrases such as 'a recital of facts' or 'the recital of grounds'.
Easily confused with recital
A recital is generally a performance or a formal account, while a recitation is the act of repeating or delivering learned material aloud.