Midterm Flashcards
What is Simple “Dry” Recitative (Recitative Secco)
Simple or Dry recitative is sung with a free rhythm dictated by accents of the words. The melody uses only a few pitches. Accompaniment is usually continuo (Simple and chordal)
What is Accompanied Recitative(Recitative Accompagniato)
Has a very strict rhythm and a more involved, often orchestral accompaniment. Used at dramatic important moments which leads into a formal Aria. More seen in Opera Buffa
Define Aria
A solo song with instrumental accompaniment, an important element of Opera but also found in Cantatas and Oratorios. Seriously Strophic.
What is a Lutheran Cantata
A Lutheran Cantata is a composition mainly composed for the vocal chorus of a church. Written in simple harmonization. Used sacred texts. Also included Da capo Aria integration.
Define Concerto
A composition where a solo instrument plays against a orchestral ensemble. Also known for there several contrasting movements like the sonata form (A B A) Or the Rondo form (A B A C A)
What is a Fugue
A composition procedure characterized by the systematic imitation of a principal theme referred to as a subject, sounding like simultaneous melody lines. Imitative polyphony
What is Prelude & Fugue (As a Pair
The Prelude is a brief musical introduction and combining this concept to the Fugue give the overall piece a distinct character that can lead to making the piece into a dance form, or toccatas.
Define the English Oratorio
A large scale composition on a sacred or semi-sacred subject. Sung with recitative in various voices in each section to prepare for arias and choruses. The successful ones are developed into theatrical productions.
Define Styl Galant
Compositions that are simple and focus on the natural art. Light and elegant and follow a natural form and ornamentation
What is empfindsamer Stil?
Closely allied with “sensitivity” was the desire to give a composition an aura of simplicity and naturalness, qualities highly prized in the philosophical outlook of the Enlightenment
What is Monody?
Used to describe a variety of accompanied solo singing styles/genres. A singing development that effectively portrays the dramatic range of emotions in the operatic work or vocal music
Define Libretto
The Text of the Opera. Typically written before the music, and often adapted from literary works that already exist
Define Recitative Ariosto
A more melodic style of recitative lying somewhere between recitative and aria styles. Used in passages of heightened emotion or dramatic importance.
Define Sinfonia
Referring generally to an abstract composition for a instrumental ensemble. IN the Operatic contexts its defined as the instrumental Prelude
What is Ritornello?
An instrumental refrain usually heard between stanza’s of an aria
Why is “Cöthen” significant
This is the location in 1717 where J.S. Bach became the Capellmeister of the musical court and wrote much of his concertos, sonatas, and keyboard music.