Handel's Messiah Flashcards
1
Q
Melody in the piece?
A
- A major triad, stepwise ending
- “shall be revealed” melisma and descending sequence
- “and all flesh” descending phrase repeated trice
- “for the mouth” long repeated notes, strong statement
2
Q
Harmony in piece ?
A
Diatonic- sounds consonant and uses notes of the key
Plagal cadence at the end
3
Q
Rhythm in piece?
A
3/4 time
Hemiola in bar 100 on words “spoken it”
4
Q
Instruments/resources in piece?
A
SATB choir
Morroque string orchestra
Bassocontinuo - organ
5
Q
Texture?
A
Homophonic - intro&outro and parts of tune&accompaniment
Polyphonic
Imitation - “shall be revealed”
6
Q
Tonality?
A
A major - bright and joyful key
7
Q
Dynamics?
A
Terraced dynamics - more instruments in louder parts and less for quieter
Ending is very loud to show a strong statement
8
Q
Structure?
A
It’s a chorus
There is an instrumental introduction
9
Q
Context in this piece?
A
Baroque period is 1600-1750
Piece was in 1741
