Oratorio Flashcards
Where did the term oratorio come from?
The place where they were first performed, the oratory in a church (Classical)
What was the English Oratorio?
A genre of oratorio created by Handel with English texts and an emphasis on chorus to suit his English audience (Classical)
What is an Oratorio?
A large scale work for soloists, chorus and orchestra that resembles an opera but without acting, costumes, and having a sacred subject matter (Classical)
ALL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CREATION
Background: Influenced by Handel Oratorios and after Haydn’s trips to England
Genre: Oratorio
Composer: Haydn
Librettist: Anonymous but translation by Baron Gottfried van Swieten
Source of libretto: Book of Genesis and John Milton’s poem Paradise Lost
Structure: 3 parts with many movements
Performing forces: Chorus, Solo, Orchestra (Classical)
Characteristics of No. 12, “And God said: Let there be light” (Uriel’s Recitative)
Plot: Describes 4th day of creation where god created the heavens, sun, moon and stars
Performing forces: Solo voice(Uriel)
Accompaniment: Recitativo Secco
Key: C major
Time: 44 (Classical)
Characteristics of No. 13, “In splendor bright” (Uriel’s Recitative)
Accompaniment: Recitativo Accompagnato
Lots of word painting
Key: D major
Time: Cut time (Classical)
Characteristics of No. 14, “The Heavens Are Telling the Glory of God” (Chorus and Trio: Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael)
Texture: Homorhythmic chorus then imitation
Lots of word painting
Key: C major
Time: Cut (Classical)
Who was Franz Joseph Haydn?
An Austrian Composer that embraced the elegance and drama of the classical era while contributing to the development of many genres, especially the sonata and string quartet. He composed symphonies, concertos, chamber music, sonatas, operas, oratorios, vocal works and novelties. His style was usually quite fun and was influenced by folk music and his musical era. (Classical)
