Musicals Flashcards
What are the different styles of vocal work?
- recitative
- declamatory writing
- colla voce
What does recitative mean?
Semi spoken/sung
What does declamatory writing mean?
Similar to recitative where voice has speech like quality, but more melodic
What does colla voce mean?
The orchestra following the voice who is not performing in strict time
What are the main characteristics of musicals?
- syllabic melody
- simple structures
- melody doubled in the orchestra - like textures (pizzicato in bass)
- use of underscore
- vamp bars
- sequences
- rousing (exciting) finishes to songs (usually start simply)
- simple textures - often melody + accompaniment (homophonic)
Why is a syllabic melody used in musicals?
Easier to understand story
What is use of underscore?
Orchestra play quietly when actor still speaking
What are vamp bars?
Orchestra asked to repeat bar over and over again until actors have caught up
What would a rousing finish to a song contain?
- higher in pitch
- slowing/ speeding of tempo
- even a modulation to a higher key
- more instruments
What is the difference between canon and imitation?
Canon can have overlaps, but imitation can’t
List the voice categories:
Bass - baritone - tenor - alto - mezzo soprano - soprano
