Henry Purcell- "Music For A While"

Question 1

What era was it made?what was it made for?

Answer 1

It was made in the baroque era which is before the invention of the piano. This set work was designed for a tragedy play.

Question 2

Features of baroque

Answer 2

Use of harpsichord
Ground bass with a basso continuo(an accompaniment that follows melodies or harmonies)
Use of minor key
Word painting

Question 3

Instrumental features

Answer 3

Harpsichord
Bass viol 
Lute
Soprano(highest)-solo voice 
Ground bass

Question 4

Tempo + Rhythmic features

Answer 4

The music starts softly and the tempo is quite slow

Straightforward rhythm made of quavers, crotchets and minims

Question 5

Structural features

Answer 5

Ternary form (ABA) with modulations(change in key)

Question 6

Melodic features

Answer 6

Originally written for a tenor(highest male voice) however it is sang by a female soprano
Vocal line is mostly syllabic with some melismatic words
Word painting e.g. “raindrops” bars 23-35

Question 7

Tonal features

Answer 7

A-minor for the sombre nature of the lyrics, including modulations to E-minor at bar 13 followed by a perfect cadence

Question 8

Ornaments in the melody

Answer 8

Grace notes(taking half its not value and starting a semi/tone higher
Mordents(Upper and Lower)
Trills(up and down v quickly)

Question 9

Harmonic features

Answer 9

Chromaticism-Ground Bass features some chromatic notes to provide an unsettling feeling.

Question 10

Dynamic features

Answer 10

There are no dynamics on a harpsichord