Recitative bears similarity to which of the following?

Recitative is a vocal style that is designed to imitate the natural rhythms and inflections of speech, which makes it closely related to plainchant in its expressive, narrative function. Both recitative and plainchant prioritize the clarity of text and the expression of meaning through music.

In recitative, the focus is often on conveying the storyline or dialogue in operas or oratorios, using a free-flowing rhythmic form that can shift to match the pace of the spoken word. Similarly, plainchant, with its monophonic and unmeasured nature, emphasizes the text, often in a liturgical context, allowing for a clear and expressive delivery of religious content.

The other options do not share this connection as directly. Opera arias, for example, are more structured and melodic, focusing on showcasing the singer’s vocal abilities and are less about the spoken word's natural inflection. Chorale settings involve harmonization of melodies and are more collective rather than narrative in nature. Symphonic music, while expressive, operates on a significantly different level of composition and does not involve vocal text in the way recitative and plainchant do.