Music For A While Purcell Flashcards
Composer
Purcell
Year of composition
1692
Type of music
From a play
Instruments used
Solo voice
Harpsichord
Bass viol
Structure
Ternary
Bass feature
Ground bass/ bass ostinato
Key
A minor (ambiguity in bass)
Modulations in section B
E minor
G major
C major
Harmonic features
Perfect cadences
Suspensions
Texture
Melody dominated homophony
Time signature
4/4
How does the first A section differ from when A section returns
Added ornamentation
Melody is changed so it can end in A minor
Description of the vocal melody
Conjunct with some leaps
Mostly syllabic
Use of passing notes
Use of sequences
What is the range of the vocal melody
A 9th
What ornaments are used
Mordents
Apoggiaturas
Slides
Grace notes
Trills
Examples of lyrics where melisma is used
Wondr’ing and eternal
How is word painting demonstrated on “pain”
Suspension (creates a clash)
How is word painting demonstrated on “eas’d”
Resolution of suspension
How is word painting demonstrated on “free the dead”
Ascending phrase in G major
How is word painting demonstrated on “drop”
Off-beating descending quavers
What is the rhythm of the ground bass
Semi-quavers (sounds like walking)
What are the main rhythms of the vocal line
Semi-quavers
Quavers
What are some rhythmic features in the right hand of the harpsichord
Tied notes
Dotted rhythms
Are there any dynamic and expression markings?
No, it’s left up to the performer
What is a tierce de picardie?
a major chord to finish a minor piece
