Messiah, Handel Flashcards
genre
oratorio
premiere date and circumstances
1742- for a benefit concert in Dublin, composed the previous summer in just twenty-four days
source of text
biblical prose- old and new testaments
librettist
Charles Jennens
language
english
structure
three parts, each containing multiple movements
part 1: the prophesy of the coming of christ and his birth
part 2: Christs suffering, death and the spread of his doctrine
part 3: the redemption of the world through faith
performing forces
soprano, alto, tenor, and bass soloists, satb chorus, string orchestra with continuo, oboes, bassoons, trumpets, timpani
overture facts
- title in original score: sinfony
- genre: French overture
- key: e minor
form: II:A:II B II - meter: C
SECTION A
tempo: grave
texture: homophonic
predominant rhythm: dotted figure
predominant affect: majestic, stately
SECTION B
tempo: allegro moderato
texture: polyphonic(fugal)
number of voices: three
subject introduced by: 1st violins and oboes
type of answer: tonal
predominant affect : energetic, lively
there were shepherds (soprano recitative) facts
type of recitative: recitativo secco
key: c major
tempo: not indicated
Meter: C
text: there were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night
type of recitative: recitativo accompagnato
key: f major
tempo: andante
meter: C
text: and lo! the angel of the lord came upon them and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were so afraid
word painting: sixteenth note repeated figure suggests the trembling of the fearful shepherds
type of recitative: recitativo secco
key: begins in d major
tempo: not indicated
Meter: C
text: and the angel said unto them fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day, in the city of David a saviour which is christ the lord.
type of recitative: recitativo accompagnato
key: begins in d major
tempo: not indicated
meter: C
text: and suddenly there was with the angel a mulitude of the heavnly host, praising god, and saying
word painting:
- dotted figures in the vocal line emphasize the suddenness of the angels arrival
- fluttering sixteenth notes in the accompaniment suggest the movement of the angel’s wings
glory to god (chorus) facts
key: d major
tempo: allegro
meter: C
text: glory to god, glory to god in the highest and peace on earth, good will towards men.
word painting:
- glory to god in the highest is set in the upper register
- and peace of earth is depicted by a downward octave leap in the bass
rejoice greatly (soprano aria) facts
key: b flat major
form: ABA, (ternary form in which the repeat of section a is varied)
tempo: allegro
meter: C
section a:
text: rejoice, rejoice, rejoice greatly, oh daughter of Zion. rejoice greatly, shout, oh daughter of Jerusalem. Behold they king cometh unto thee
word painting:
- rejoice greatly has a joyful, celebratory character expressed through melismas
- shout is exclaimed with a burst of sound in the upper register
section b:
key: g minor
text: he is the righteous saviour, and he shall speak peace unto the heathen
hallelujah (chorus) facts
key: d major
tempo: allegro
meter: C
text: hallelujah, for the lord god omnipotent reigneth. the kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our lord, and of his christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever. King of kings and lord of lords, hallelujah!
texture: alternation of homophonic and polyphonic settings
