Unusual recital is true to life (9)
I believe the answer is:
realistic
'true to life' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'unusual recital is' is the wordplay.
'unusual' indicates an anagram.
'recital'+'is'='recitalis'
'recitalis' anagrammed gives 'REALISTIC'.
(Other definitions for realistic that I've seen before include "Without illusions, dealing in facts" , "It is clear (anag)" , "Facing facts, as it is clear" , "It is clear, being practical and sensible" , "Down-to-earth" .)