Anthems and Oratorios

Question 1

What is an Oratorio?

Answer 1

An unstaged dramatic work for orchestra, soloist singers and chorus which has a religious theme

Question 2

What is an Anthem?

Answer 2

Sacred or devotional music written for special occasions. Almost always choral with orchestra and organ.

Question 3

Soprano

Answer 3

High female voice

Question 4

Tenor

Answer 4

High male voice

Question 5

Alto

Answer 5

Low female voice

Question 6

Bass

Answer 6

Low male voice

Question 7

SATB

Answer 7

Full choir with two male and female parts

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass (SATB)

Question 8

What is (Basso) Continuo?

Answer 8

A type of accompaniment featuring a continuous bass line (on cello or similar) and an instrument improvising chords (harpsichord, organ or lute).

Question 9

What type of music is George Fredric Handel most famous for writing?

Answer 9

In the Baroque period he wrote Operas in Italian, Oratorios in English as well as many Concertos and Anthems.
Based in England and aimed at English tastes of the period.

Question 10

Where and when was Handel born?

Answer 10

Born in Germany, 23rd February 23rd 1685.

Question 11

When did Handel die?

Answer 11

14th April 1759.

Question 12

Ground Bass

Answer 12

A piece featuring a bass line that repeats throughout the song (as an ostinato)

Question 13

Figured Bass

Answer 13

The numbers underneath the continuo bass line that tell the person playing chords, which chords to play.

Question 14

Monophonic Texture

Answer 14

One single melody line. Solo melody

Question 15

Homophonic Texture

Answer 15

2 or more parts which move at the same time but with different notes. Moving in chords.

Question 16

Polyphonic / Contrapuntal Texture

Answer 16

When multiple melodies play at the same time, and are rhythmically independent.

Question 17

In octaves (texture)

Answer 17

Everyone singing/playing the same tune but in different ranges.

Question 18

‘Melody and Accompaniment’ Texture

Answer 18

Melody dominated homophony

strong melody over a homophonic accompaniment

Question 19

Recitative

Answer 19

A part of the oratorio which tells a story or moves the story along.

• Simple word settings
• Always uses syllabic word-setting
• the accompaniment is usually just continuo (not full orchestra)

Question 20

Recitativo Secco

Answer 20

Dry recitative, the most common sort of recitative.

*Accompaniment is just a continuo, using simple chords.

Question 21

Recitativo Stomentato

Answer 21

Accompanied recitative. Orchestra accompanying it, no strong tune.

Question 22

Recitativo Arioso

Answer 22

An aria-like recitative, more song-like. Conveys more emotion than recitative secco.

Question 23

Aria

Answer 23

A type of song with a strong melody for a soloist, usually accompanied with orchestra.

Question 24

Da Capo Aria

Answer 24

A song in ternary form (A-B-A1), where the final A section features a highly decorated version of the original melody, with lots of ornamentation.

Question 25

Chorus

Answer 25

A piece for full orchestra and choir, the key moment in an oratorio, providing the most excitement.

Question 26

Ornamentation

Answer 26

Used to decorate a simple tune to make a melody more interesting. E.g. Grace note, mordent and trills.

Question 27

Baroque Orchestra

Answer 27

Strings - Violin, Viola, Cello , Double bassWoodwind - Oboe, Bassoon, Recorder, FlutePercussion - Timpani ( Kettle drum), HarpsichordBrass - Simple trumpets, French horn, Trombone (All of these could only play notes from the harmonic series)

Question 28

Melismatic (Melisma)

Answer 28

More than one note per syllable. E.g. Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ria

Question 29

Syllabic

Answer 29

Each syllable has its own note. E.g. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Question 30

Word Painting

Answer 30

When the tune/ melody reflects or mimics what the lyrics are about.

Question 31

Dramatic Silence

Answer 31

A silence that happens in the middle of a piece to create dramatic effect.

Question 32

Changes of Tempo and Time Signature

Answer 32

Sudden changes of tempo and time signature for effect.