Final answer:
The false statement about recitative is that it is a highly structured form of musical expression. In fact, recitative is characterized by a speech-like singing style designed to mimic natural speech and is used in opera primarily to convey dialogue and advance the plot with a more straightforward and less musically embellished approach. Option a is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the concept of recitative in music, which is especially important in the context of opera. Recitative refers to a style of vocal delivery that is meant to mimic the natural rhythms and intonations of speech, rather than following a melodic or structured song. The student is being asked to identify which statement about recitative is not true.
Option (a) 'Recitative is a highly structured form of musical expression.' is the incorrect statement. Recitative is actually characterized by a speech-like singing style that is not highly structured in the sense of a melody or song. It is meant to sound more like natural dialogue than a traditional song, so while it might fit within the broad structure of the opera, it is not highly structured musically in its own right.
In contrast, options (b), (c), and (d) accurately describe aspects of recitative. Option (b) notes that recitative is often used in opera to convey dialogue, which is true. Recitative allows characters to speak to each other in a way that sounds more like ordinary speech and is used to drive the plot forward or reveal character thoughts, often with less musical embellishment.
Option (c) correctly points out that recitative is characterized by a speech-like singing style. This approach to singing is used to give a heightened sense of drama and realism to the spoken word within an operatic context.
Option (d) mentions that recitative serves to advance the plot and provide exposition, which is also accurate. It is often used to communicate the necessary story elements to the audience in a way that is more direct and quicker than a full aria or song might allow.
Therefore, the correct option, meaning the statement about recitative which is not true, is (a) Recitative is a highly structured form of musical expression.