Music For A While - Purcell

Question 1

Key?

Answer 1

A minor

Question 2

Form?

Answer 2

Ternary (ABA)

Question 3

List the 2 instruments used that make up the continuo

Answer 3

Harpsichord , bass viol

Question 4

What is a ground bass?

Answer 4

Continuous bass line that repeats throughout a piece of music

Question 5

Give three characteristics of the ground bass

Answer 5

3 bars long , repeated quavers, slow tempo

Question 6

Describe the word-setting

Answer 6

melismatic and syllabic

Question 7

Define word painting

Answer 7

Depicting a word in the music to reflect its meaning

Question 8

What is a lament?

Answer 8

a song with sad feelings

Question 9

List 3 characteristics of a lament

Answer 9

minor key, slow tempo, falling phrases

Question 10

Period?

Answer 10

Baroque

Question 11

Give an example of when the melody is conjunct

Answer 11

“Wond-‘ring”

Question 12

Give an example of when the melody is disjunct

Answer 12

“Shall all, shall” or “drop, drop”

Question 13

Name 3 features that give the piece a tranquil mood

Answer 13

Legato, Ground Bass(repetition), Soft instruments

Question 14

Why are some words repeated?

Answer 14

For emphasis

Question 15

What voice would traditionally sing this piece?

Answer 15

Counter-tenor

Question 16

The words ‘drop’ are repeated in a succession of three notes that each start a note lower than before. What is the name for this melodic device?

Answer 16

Sequence

Question 17

How is section A1 different from A?

Answer 17

ornamentation

Question 18

What play is this piece written for?

Answer 18

Oedipus

Question 19

What voice type sings the piece we study?

Answer 19

Soprano

Question 20

What is the general shape of the melody of the ground bass?

Answer 20

Ascending

Question 21

Give 2 example of word painting and describe them

Answer 21

‘eas’d’ - discord that resolves

‘drop’ - short, descending