A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Recital
RECITAL, a term which has come into use in England to signify a performance of solo music by one instrument and one performer. It was probably first used by Liszt at his performance at the Hanover Square Rooms, June 9, 1840, though as applying to the separate pieces and not to the whole performance. The advertisement of the concert in question says that 'M. Liszt will give Recitals on the Pianoforte of the following pieces.' The name has since been adopted by Mr. Charles Halle and others.
The term Opera Recital is used for a concert in which the music of an opera is sung without costume or acting.[ G. ]