Translation guide
A recital is a performance, usually by a solo musician or a small group, often in a formal setting. It can also refer to a detailed spoken account or a formal reading of something.
A solo or small-group musical performance, often classical, in a formal setting.
The most direct equivalent, used for solo instrumental or vocal performances, especially classical music.
彼女のピアノリサイタルは素晴らしかった。
Her piano recital was wonderful.
Literally 'solo performance gathering', used for instrumental solo recitals.
バイオリンの独奏会に行きました。
I went to a violin recital.
Specifically a vocal solo recital.
ソプラノの独唱会が開かれた。
A soprano recital was held.
A performance of dance, often by students or a small group.
Commonly used for student recitals in dance, music, or other arts. Emphasizes the presentation aspect.
娘のバレエの発表会を見に行った。
I went to see my daughter's ballet recital.
Can be used for dance, but less common than for music. Often implies a professional or formal solo performance.
A long, detailed spoken account of something, often from memory or in a dramatic way.
A detailed explanation or account. Often used in formal contexts.
彼は事件の経緯を詳述した。
He gave a recital of the events.
To talk at length, often with a negative nuance of being tedious.
彼女は自分の不幸を長々と話した。
She gave a long recital of her misfortunes.
Listing or enumerating items one by one, often used for a recital of facts or complaints.
A formal reading of a text, such as poetry or a legal document, before an audience.
Reading aloud, especially of literature or poetry, often in a performance context.
詩の朗読会が図書館で開かれた。
A poetry recital was held at the library.
Recitation from memory, often used for poems or famous speeches.
発表会 is the go-to term for student recitals in any performing art (music, dance, drama). リサイタル is more formal and typically implies a professional or advanced solo performance, especially in classical music. For a child's piano recital, 発表会 is more natural than リサイタル.
When 'recital' means a long, detailed spoken account, do not use リサイタル. Instead, use words like 詳述 or phrases like 長々と話す depending on the nuance.
彼のダンスリサイタルは感動的だった。
His dance recital was moving.
He recited a list of complaints.
生徒たちは詩の暗唱を披露した。
The students performed a recital of poems from memory.