George Frideric Handel Terms Flashcards
Define <b>oratorio</b>
a large-scale work for soloists, chorus, and orchestra
serious subject, generally based on biblical texts
consists of recitatives, arias, ensembles, and choruses
developed on the Baroque era
Define <b>French overture</b>
a Baroque orchestral genre
first developed at <b>court of Louis XIV</b> by <b> Jean Baptiste Lully</b>
generally in two parts
1st part - slow, homophonic, dotted figures
2nd part - fast, imitative (homophonic)
Define <b>libretto</b>
the text of an opera, oratorio, or cantata
o
usually written by someone other than the composer
Define <b>recitative</b>
a speech-like style of singing used in operas, oratorios, canatas
follows inflections of the text, resulting in rhythmic flexibility
usually use to advance the plot or storyline; moves through text quickly
Define <b><i>recitativo secco</i></b>
Italian for “dry recitative”
a speech-like, declamatory style of singing
supported only by <i>continuo</i>
employed in opera, oratorio, and cantata
Define <b>recitativo accompagnato</b>
Italian for “accompanied recitative”
a speech-like, declamatory style of singing
support by instrumental ensemble or orchestra
allows for greater connection with the text
employed in opera, oratorio, and cantata
Define <b>aria</b>
a solo song with instrumental accompaniment, an important element of opera but also found extensively in cantatas and oratorios
The term originated in Italy in the 16th century
define <b><i>da capo aria</i></b>
the most common song type in Baroque opera and oratorio
three-part structure (ternary form): ABA
in performance the return of Section A is generally ornamented
Define <b>word painting</b>
musical pictorialization
music mirrors the literal meaning of the words
achieved through melody, rhythm, or harmony
Define <b><i>melisma</i></b>
a group of notes sub on a singly syllable/vowel
demonstrates vocal virtuosity and often serves to highlight key words
