Concepts you will learn:

Oratorio Opera Overture Melisma Syllabic Homophonic Polyphonic Cantata

Passion Chorus Suspension Recitative Aria Mezzo-soprano Counter-Tenor Baritone Chorale

Covers music written between 1625 and 1750

Famous composers are Bach, Handel and Vivaldi

Music was very decorative which reflected architecture at that time

Development of Oratorio and Opera Smaller Orchestra, less percussion

Opera Non-religious Large-scale work

with S.A.T.B choir and orchestra

Songs, acting and scenery to tell a story

Oratorio Similar to Opera Large-scale work

with S.A.T.B choir and orchestra

Religious work/biblical theme

Less scenery and acting

The introduction played by the Orchestra is known as the OVERTURE.

There are 2 types of word setting, MELISMATIC and SYLLABIC.

MELISMA is when the singer uses lots of notes for one syllable.

SYLLABIC is when each syllable has a different note.

There are two different textures which can be used, HOMOPHONIC and POLYPHONIC.

HOMOPHONIC is when all parts move at the same time, e.g hymn-like

POLYPHONIC is when all parts move at different time and interact with each other.

CHORUS – All the singers of the choir singing together.

CHORALE – A hymn tune.

ARIA: An aria is performed

by a solo singer with accompaniment

The accompaniment is usually an orchestra or piano.

The singer and accompaniment work together

RECITATIVE: A recitative is sung

by a solo singer. The performance is

half-spoken, half-sung.

The accompaniment is very limited, chords on an organ or harpsichord.

The song is controlled by the singer.

3 new voices were added to the original SATB.

Soprano MEZZO-SOPRANO Alto COUNTER-TENOR Tenor BARITONE Bass

Cantata and Passion are similar to Opera and Oratorio but are smaller versions

A CANTATA is a smaller version of an oratorio.

The PASSION is a religious work that is based only on the crucifixion of Christ.