Final answer:
The music section preceding a recitative accompagnato is known as an overture or a prelude, serving as an introduction that sets themes and mood before the drama unfolds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The section of music that typically precedes a recitative section, specifically one that is accompagnato, is called an overture or a prelude. In operas and oratorios, the overture serves as an introduction to the work, establishing musical themes and setting the mood, while a prelude often serves a similar function within the context of a specific act or scene. The accompagnato recitative is more dramatic and is accompanied by the orchestra, which contrasts with secco recitative that is typically only supported by a basso continuo.
For example, in the world of opera, the overture can provide the audience with hints of the forthcoming music or the emotional landscape of the piece. The prelude, on the other hand, may directly precede an act or scene, offering a musical reflection or introit to what is about to unfold. During the Renaissance, like in the case of the madrigal evolving into canons, music often served to reflect the dramatic action and emotional context of the narrative.