Transcript The Baroque Period - Elgin Academy, Scotland

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Concepts you will
learn:
Oratorio
Opera
Overture
Melisma
Syllabic
Homophonic
Polyphonic
Cantata
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Passion
Chorus
Suspension
Recitative
Aria
Mezzo-soprano
Counter-Tenor
Baritone
Chorale
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Covers music written between 1625 and 1750
Famous composers are Bach, Handel and
Vivaldi
Music was very decorative which reflected
architecture at that time
Development of Oratorio and Opera
Smaller Orchestra, less percussion
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Opera
Non-religious
Large-scale work
with S.A.T.B choir
and orchestra
Songs, acting and
scenery to tell a
story
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Oratorio
Similar to Opera
Large-scale work
with S.A.T.B choir
and orchestra
Religious
work/biblical theme
Less scenery and
acting
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The introduction played by the Orchestra is
known as the OVERTURE.
There are 2 types of word setting,
MELISMATIC and SYLLABIC.
MELISMA is when the singer uses lots of notes
for one syllable.
SYLLABIC is when each syllable has a different
note.
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There are two different textures which can be
used, HOMOPHONIC and POLYPHONIC.
HOMOPHONIC is when all parts move at the
same time, e.g hymn-like
POLYPHONIC is when all parts move at
different time and interact with each other.
CHORUS – All the singers of the choir singing
together.
CHORALE – A hymn tune.
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ARIA:
An aria is performed
by a solo singer with
accompaniment
The accompaniment
is usually an
orchestra or piano.
The singer and
accompaniment work
together
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RECITATIVE:
A recitative is sung
by a solo singer.
The performance is
half-spoken, halfsung.
The accompaniment
is very limited,
chords on an organ
or harpsichord.
The song is
controlled by the
singer.
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3 new voices were added to the original SATB.
Soprano
MEZZO-SOPRANO
Alto
COUNTER-TENOR
Tenor
BARITONE
Bass
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Cantata and Passion are similar to Opera and
Oratorio but are smaller versions
A CANTATA is a smaller version of an
oratorio.
The PASSION is a religious work that is based
only on the crucifixion of Christ.