Final answer:
Recitatives in music are vocal pieces that imitate speech and are often used in operas, oratorios, and musical theater. They closely resemble natural speech patterns and inflections. Examples can be found in Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro' and Miranda's 'Hamilton.'
Step-by-step explanation:
Recitatives in music are vocal pieces that imitate speech and are often used in operas, oratorios, and musical theater. They are typically sung with a simple melodic line and minimal accompaniment, allowing the focus to be on the text.
When a recitative mimics the voice, it means that the music is written in a way that closely resembles natural speech patterns and inflections.
An example of a recitative that mimics the voice can be found in the opera 'The Marriage of Figaro' by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the aria 'Non più andrai,' Figaro sings in recitative style as he teases the young Cherubino.
The rhythmic and melodic patterns of the music closely follow the natural rhythms of speech, creating a realistic and expressive portrayal of the character.
Another example is found in the musical 'Hamilton' by Lin-Manuel Miranda. In the song 'Guns and Ships,' there is a recitative section where George Washington speaks rapidly and passionately.
The music perfectly captures the intensity and urgency of his words, bringing the character to life.