Handel 'And the Glory of the Lord'

Question 0

When was ‘and the glory’ composed?

Answer 0

1741

Question 1

Define oratorio

Answer 1

A large scale composition for solo singers, orchestra and choir

Question 2

Where would this piece generally be performed?

Answer 2

Concert halls or theatres

Question 3

Describe the performing forces of this piece

Answer 3

There is a choir which is made of satb and are accompanied by strings and continuo (cello and harpsichord/organ). The orchestra often doubles the vocal lines.

Question 4

Describe the structure in this piece

Answer 4

It starts with a ritornello (orchestral intro) shortened versions of this music return later in the work in two different places. There is no set form to the movement. It’s based on different combinations of 4 motifs.

Question 5

Describe the melody in this piece

Answer 5

1: and the glory of The Lord is first sung by the altos in bar 11 and outlines a major
2: shall be revealed is first sung by tenors in bar 17. It uses a descending sequence and a melisma on the word ‘revealed’
3: first sung by the altos in bar 43. The short descending figure from a to e is repeated twice
4: first sung by the tenors and bases in bar 51. Most of it is on the same pitch a and it uses longer notes sounding solemn.
These 4 motifs are combined in different ways throughout the movement

Question 6

Describe the rhythm, metre and tempo in this piece

Answer 6

This piece is in the dance like metre of 3/4 (3 crotchet beats per bar). It is allegro until the end when there’s a bar of total silence (general pause) then 3 bars in adagio to create a drawn out ending. There are a number of helipad where the music feels 2/4 rather than 3/4

Question 7

Describe the tonality and harmony in this piece

Answer 7

A major with modulation to the dominant (e major) and the supertonic ( B major). It ends with a plagal cadence in A major. It has a diatonic harmony.

Question 8

Describe the texture of this piece

Answer 8

The piece alternates between homophonic and contrapuntal. There is a very short monophonic passage in bars 108-9. Imitation is used. The number of parts varies - sometimes just one other times 2/3 parts in different combinations or all 4 vocal parts together.

Question 9

Describe the word setting used in this piece

Answer 9

There is a mixture of syllabic and melismatic word setting. Different phrases of text are repeated many times which helps to make words as clear as possible.