Vocabulary- Messiah - p. 35

Question 1

Provide definition for recitativo accompagnato*

Give one example title and its composer.

(Italian for “accompanied recitative”)

Answer 1

A half-singing, half-talking way of singing used in opera, oratorio, and cantata with instrumental ensemble or orchestra accompaniment.

Messiah by Handel

Question 2

What is the term for musical pictorialization so the music mirrors the literal meaning of the words? Achieved through melody, harmony, or rhythm.

Describe one example. Name the title and its composer.

Answer 2

word painting

“Glory to God in the highest” is sung in upper register in “Glory to God” chorus of Messiah by Handel

Question 3

What is the following?

Give one example. Name the title and its composer.

Italian for ‘air’. Solo song with accompaniment in opera, oratorio, and cantata. Emotional and often virtuosic. May have lyrical or dramatic qualities; often reveals the character’s feelings and emotions.

Answer 3

aria

“Rejoyce Greatly” from Messiah by Handel

Question 4

Give definition of “recitative”

Give one example title and its composer.

Answer 4

half-singing, half-talking way of singing used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas. It follows the natural feel of words and gives hints of the plot to the audience.

There were “shepherds” from Messiah by Handel

Question 5

What is the following?

-all voices sing or play the same rhythm. Results in a blocked chordal texture (homophonic) to deliver the text with clarity and emphasis.

Describe one example. Name the title and its composer.

Answer 5

homorhythmic texture

“Hallelujah!” from “Hallelujah!” chorus of Messiah by Handel

Question 6

Give definition of the oratorio.

Provide the title and composer

Answer 6

• a large-scale work for soloists, chorus, and orchestra developed in Baroque. Usually has biblical text. Consists of recitatives, arias, ensembles, and choruses.

Messiah by Handel

Question 7

What is a large-scale work for soloists, chorus, and orchestra developed in Baroque? Usually has biblical text. Consists of recitatives, arias, ensembles, and choruses.

Give one example title and its composer.

Answer 7

oratorio

Messiah by Handel

Question 8

What is the following?

an aria (solo song) in ternary (ABA) structure. The returning A is usually ornamented in performance. It is the most common type of aria in Baroque opera and oratorio.

Give one example title and its composer.

Answer 8

da capo aria

“Rejoice Greatly” from Messiah by Handel

Question 9

What is the following?

A half-singing, half-talking way of singing used in opera, oratorio, and cantata. Supported by instrumental ensemble or orchestra so it allows for greater connection with the text.

Give one example title and its composer.

Answer 9

recitativo accompagnato

(Italian for “accompanied recitative”)

Messiah by Handel

Question 10

Provide definition for melisma.

Describe one example. Name the title and its composer.

Answer 10

-many notes to a syllable/vowel. Demonstrates vocal virtuosity and often highlights key words

“re-joice” from ‘Rejoice Greatly” (soprano aria) from Messiah by Handel

Question 11

Provide definition of aria

Give one example title and its composer.

Answer 11

Italian for ‘air’. Solo song with accompaniment in opera, oratorio, and cantata. Emotional and often virtuosic. May have lyrical or dramatic qualities; often reveals the character’s feelings and emotions.

“Rejoyce Greatly” from Messiah by Handel

Question 12

Provide definition of da-capo aria

Give one example title and its composer.

Answer 12

an aria (solo song) in ternary (ABA) structure. The returning A is usually ornamented in performance. It is the most common type of aria in Baroque opera and oratorio.

“Rejoice Greatly” from Messiah by Handel

Question 13

What is the following?

a Baroque orchestral genre, often the orchestral introduction to an opera or oratorio. Usually in two parts A (slow, homophonic textures, dotted rhythm) and B (fast, imitative texture). Developed by Lully.

Give one example title and its composer.

Answer 13

French overture

Messiah by Handel

Question 14

Provide definition of word painting

Describe one example.

Name the title and its composer.

Answer 14

-musical pictorialization so the music mirrors the literal meaning of the words. Achieved through melody, harmony, or rhythm.

“Glory to God in the highest” is sung in upper register in “Glory to God” chorus of Messiah by Handel

Question 15

What is many notes to a syllable/vowel and demonstrates vocal virtuosity and often highlights key words?

Describe one example.

Name the title and its composer.

Answer 15

melisma

“re-_joice”_ from ‘Rejoice Greatly” (soprano aria) from Messiah by Handel

Question 16

What is the following?

half-singing, half-talking way of singing used in operas, oratorios, and cantatas. It follows the natural rise and fall of the texts so it has rhythmic flexibility and gives hints of the plot to the audience.

Give one example title and its composer.

Answer 16

recitative

Messiah by Handel

Question 17

What is the following?

“A half-singing, half-talking way of singing, supported only by continuo and used in opera, oratorio, and cantata”

Give one example title and its composer.

Answer 17

recitativo secco (Italian for “dry recitative”)

There were shepherds” soprano recitative in Messiah by Handel

Question 18

Provide definition of homorhythmic texture

Describe one example. Name the title and its composer.

Answer 18

-all voices sing or play the same rhythm. Results text that is easily understood for emphasis.

“Hallelujah!” from “Hallelujah!” chorus of Messiah by Handel

Question 19

Give definition of recitativo secco

Give one example title and its composer.

Answer 19

A half-singing, half-talking way of singing, supported only by continuo and used in opera, oratorio, and cantata.

Messiah by Handel

Question 20

Provide defintion of French overture

Give one example title and its composer.

Answer 20

a Baroque orchestral genre, often the orchestral introduction to an opera or oratorio. Usually in two parts A (slow, homophonic textures, dotted rhythm) and B (fast, imitative texture). Developed by Lully.

Messiah by Handel