Music History RCM Level 5

Question 1

When did George Frederic Handel live?

Answer 1

1685-1759

Question 2

During what era did GF Handel live?

Answer 2

the Baroque era

Question 3

Where in the world did GF Handel live?

Answer 3

England

Question 4

What was GF Handel famous for composing?

Answer 4

Italian operas and English oratorios

Question 5

When was GF Handel’s oratorio, “Messiah” composed?

Answer 5

1742

Question 6

What is an oratorio?

Answer 6

• a large scale choral work
• usually sacred and based on a biblical story
• components include an overture, recitatives, arias and choruses
• performed in a concert setting, without costumes, staging or scenery

Question 7

What is a chorus?

Answer 7

• a vocal composition, often included in oratorios and other large-scale choral works
• often written for 4 voices: soprano, alto, tenor and bass (SATB)
  soprano - female voice, high in register
  alto - female voice, low in register
  tenor - male voice, high in register
  bass - male voice, low in register

Question 8

What is the “Hallelujah Chorus”?

Answer 8

One of the most recognizable compositions ever written. It is about the jubilation at the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Question 9

What is the genre of the “Hallelujah Chorus”?

Answer 9

chorus from an oratorio

Question 10

Who are the performing forces in the “Hallelujah Chorus”?

Answer 10

SATB chorus, accompanied by orchestra

Question 11

What is the text source for the “Hallelujah Chorus”?

Answer 11

the New Testament of the Bible

Question 12

What emotions can you identify from the “Hallelujah Chorus”?

Answer 12

expansive, joyful, majestic,

Question 13

What words are repeated many times in the “Hallelujah Chorus”?

Answer 13

for ever and ever

Question 14

What is used to depict the meaning of the text in vocal music?

Answer 14

word painting

Question 15

When did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart live?

Answer 15

1756-1791

Question 16

Did Mozart live a long and full life?

Answer 16

No. He was a child prodigy and died at the age of 35

Question 17

What was Mozart’s favourite genre of music?

Answer 17

opera

Question 18

Describe an opera

Answer 18

• a play set to music
• performing forces include soloists, chorus, orchestra
• scenery, costumes and lighting are combined with the music to tell the story

Question 19

What is an aria?

Answer 19

• a solo song in an opera or oratorio

- allows the character to express his or her feelings and emotions

Question 20

What is the name of Mozart’s final opera?

Answer 20

The Magic Flute “Die Zauberflote”

Question 21

What are some characters in The Magic Flute?

Answer 21

• beautiful princess
• wise high priest
• fanciful bird catcher
• ferocious queen
• brave young prince

Question 22

Describe the “Queen of the Night” aria

Answer 22

written for coloratura soprano, who must be trained to sing virtuosic passages of music

• in the key of D minor
• tremolando chord sets a menacing tone at the opening
• vocal line changes direction, making the Queen sound vengeful, and demonstrating the singer’s virtuosity
• lots of grace notes, arpeggios, and high notes that are outside of a typical soprano range

Question 23

What is the “Queen of the Night” aria about?

Answer 23

seeking revenge on the high priest, The Queen of the night asks her daughter to kill him

Question 24

Who was Harold Arlen

Answer 24

• (1905-1986)
• American Popular Music composer
• wrote music heard in night clubs, on Broadway and in Hollywood movies
• wrote more than 500 songs
• Get Happy
• Stormy Weather
• Somewhere over the Rainbow

Question 25

What is verse-chorus structure?

Answer 25

• common song structure in pop music

- verses develop the storyline and the chorus is a tuneful refrain

Question 26

Who performs the classic “Over the Rainbow”

Answer 26

Judy Garland, as Dorothy

Question 27

Who are the performing voices in “Over the Rainbow”?

Answer 27

solo voice and orchestra