Chapter 3 Test Flashcards
What is recitative?
A vocal line that imitates the rhythms of speech
What is an aria?
A song for solo voice with orchestral accompaniment
What is secco recitative?
A recitative performed with basso continuo
What is accompanied recitative?
A recitative performed with orchestra
What is overture?
A short instrumental composition at the beginning of an opera/oratorio that is intended to set the dramatic mood
What is opera?
A sung secular drama with action, poetry, dance, scenery & costumes
What is oratorio?
A composition for chorus, soloists & orchestra set to a narrative text, based on religious stories containing no acting, costumes, dance or scenery
What are the characteristics of the baroque period?
- Mood- unity
- Rhythm- continuity of patterns
- Dynamics- consistent use
- Texture- predominately polyphonic
- Vocal accompaniment- use of basso continuo
Vivaldi
Born in Italy, ordained a catholic priest ( called the “Red priest” due to the color of his hair) & wrote mostly for a school (orphanage) for girls composing vocal music, concerti grossi and soli concerti
Bach
He was born in Germany and never traveled outside of the country. He was famous for writing fugues & creating the Lutheran church cantata of which he had performed every Sunday at his church in Leipzig Germany
Handel
Born in Germany and as a child his father didn’t want him to be a musician so he hid a keyboard in the attic to practice in secret. His father was finally told to have his son learn how to read music. He later learned to compose while studying in Italy, moved to England to write operas concertis & finally becoming the creator of the oratorio
Concerto grosso
(Instrumental-orchestra)
A small group of soloists pitted against a larger ensemble, usually consists of 3 movements q fast 2 slow 3 fast
Fugue
(Instrumental-organ)
A polyphonic composition based on one musical theme (subject), usually has 3-5 voices with the subject moving between voices
Opera
(Vocal) a sung secular drama with action poetry themes scenery and costume
Solo concerto
(Instrumental-orchestra)
Piece for a single instrumental soloist and orchestra
