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Baroque (1600-1750) – Vocal Music
Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera
1a.! What is an opera (also include where it is usually performed, the elements of
!
theatre that it incorporates, and who accompanies it)?
An opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining
text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. Opera incorporates many of the
elements of spoken theatre, such as acting, scenery, and costumes and sometimes
includes dance. The performance is typically given in an opera house, accompanied by an
orchestra or smaller musical ensemble.
1b.! Who was the first great composer of opera (also include year born and year
!
died)?
The first great composer of opera is Jacopo Peri (20 August 1561 - 12 August 1633)
1c.! What is an aria (also include who performs it and who accompanies it)?
An aria is also known as “formal song”, in where the characters express their emotions in a
more structured melodic style. Duets, trios and other ensembles often occur, and choruses
are used to comment on the action.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recitative
1d.! What is recitative?!
Recitative is also known by its Italian name “recitativo”, and is a style of delivery in which a
singer is allowed to adopt the rhythms of ordinary speech. The most syllabic recitativo
secco is at one end of a spectrum through recitativo accompagnato. Recitative does not
repeat lines as formally composed songs do. It resembles sung ordinary speech more than
a formal musical composition. The term recitative is also applied to the simpler formulas of
Gregorian chant, such as the tones used for the Epistle and Gospel.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overture
1e.! What is an overture?
Overture in music is the term originally applied to the instrumental introduction to an opera.
During the early Romantic era, composers such as Beethoven and Mendelssohn began to
use the term to refer to independent, self-existing instrumental programmatic works that
presaged genres such as the symphonic poem. These were intended to be played at the
head of a program.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oratorio
2a.! What is an oratorio?
An oratorio is a large musical composition including an orchestra, a choir and soloists. Like
an opera, an oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various
distinguishable characters, and arias. However, opera is musical theatre, while oratorio is
strictly a concert piece. In an oratorio there is generally little or no interaction between the
characters, and no props or elaborate costumes. Opera tends to deal with history and
mythology, including age-old devices of romance deception and murder, whereas the plot
of an oratorio often deals with sacred topics, making it appropriate for performance in the
church.
2b.!
How does an oratorio differ from an opera and how is it similar to an opera?
Similarities
- Use of choir and soloists
- Has an ensemble
- Various distinguishable characters
- Arias
Differences
- Opera is musical theatre, while oratorio is
strictly a concert piece
- In an oratorio there is little or no
interaction between the characters. They
don’t have props or elaborate costumes.
- Opera tends to deal with history and
mythology (age-old devices of romance,
deception and murder)
- The plot of an oratorio deals with sacred
topics, making it appropriate to be
performed in churches
2c.! What is Handel’s most famous oratorio?
Handel’s most famous oratorio is “Messiah”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantata
3a.! What is a cantata and where were Bach’s cantata’s performed?
A cantata is a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment, typically in several
movements, which often includes a choir. Bach’s cantata’s were usually performed in
churches.