Recital
Solo concert by a single artist, usually at the piano; the term goes back to Liszt.
What it means
A recital is a solo concert by a single artist, usually on an instrument such as the piano, or by a singer with accompaniment. The term goes back to English to recite. The soloist shapes the entire program alone and puts his or her skill, taste and musicality at the center.
Musical use
As a concert form the recital became known through Franz Liszt, who in 1840 gave a performance in London under the title "recital" in which he played alone. It later became established as the usual form of the soloist's concert. The program usually consists of several pieces of different periods, often with an encore at the end. Pianists often play a recital from memory.
The recital should be distinguished from the concert with orchestra, in which the soloist is accompanied by an orchestra, and from the chamber concert, in which several musicians play as equals.
Performance practice
For a recital, put together a program that shows your strengths and offers variety: slow and fast pieces, different styles. Plan your stamina and practise playing from memory and stage presence deliberately.