View Larger Images Here.
[ [Pg 266] | [Pg 267] ]

[Mozart's "Don Giovanni">[

Don Giovanni.Leporello, where are you?
Leporello.I'm here, to my misfortune, and you, Sir?
Don Giovanni.I'm here.
Leporello.Who's dead, th'old man, or you Sir?

Alessandro Scarlatti was the first to make systematic use of that richer form of recitation known as recitativo stromentato. Indeed, some historians declare, and with fairly good ground, that he invented this species. Recitativo stromentato is recitative with an especially designed orchestral accompaniment instead of the simple chords of the secco style. Usually the most significant orchestral passages are placed in the pauses between the phrases uttered by the voice. The whole recitative thus becomes more passionate, more varied, and more filled with meaning. The extreme development of recitativo stromentato is to be found in Wagner's later dramas, in which entire scenes are made of it. Excellent examples of it in its customary modern form, however, are to be found in his earlier works. Here is one from the first act of "Lohengrin":—

[Listen: Wagner's "Lohengrin"]