Religious choral music Flashcards
How was sacred music in the Renaissance period sung?
They are sung in Latin and performed a cappella.
What were the most important forms of sacred music?
Mass, Motet and Anthem.
How many main sections does the Latin setting of the mass divide into?
5 main sections;
- Kyrie
- Gloria
- Credo
- Sanctus
- Agnus Dei
What is the Motet?
A short sacred choral work, usually contrapuntal in style with a Latin text.
What is the Anthem?
A short sacred choral piece sung in English. It can be sung a cappella or with organ accompaniment.
What is the German Chorale?
Hymns to be sung in German by the whole congregation.
What did Bach base a lot of his pieces off?
It was based on German Hymn tunes or chorales. The hymn would be sung or played steadily through the centre of the work.
What is recitative?
A style of singing, often in operas where singers adopt the rhythms to deliver speech.
What is aria?
Self-contained song for a solo voice, often accompanied by orchestra.
What is a duet?
Composition/ performance for 2 performers where both singers have equal importance.
What is a chorus?
Repeated section of a song, typically containing the main musical motifs.
What is an arioso?
A category of solo vocal pieces in an opera (between recitative and aria)
What are Passions?
Pieces that deal with the subjects of the trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. These would always be German.
What was most of Bach’s music based off of?
Devotion to God in the human form of Jesus. No matter how complex the piece was, he did it to emphasise the meaning of the words.
Did Bach ever compose an opera?
No, Bach devoted himself to church music throughout his life.
How many operas did Hansel write?
He wrote 39 operas in Italian for the London stage.
Why was Hansel so famous?
He could write music that was popular with audiences which made his music marketable and improved his reputation.
What is an oratorio?
It’s a large musical composition for orchestra, choir and soloists.
What is the difference between an oratorio and an opera?
Opera is musical theatre while oratorio is strictly a concert piece. Opera tends to deal with history and mythology while oratorio often deals with sacred topics (appropriate for a church).
What were the 2 types of Mass?
- Missa solemnis (ordinary mass)
- Missa brevis (short mass)
Did Haydn write an opera or an oratorio?
He was inspired to write an oratorio from Handel when he went to visit England.
