Chapter 19

Question 1

J.S. Bach

Answer 1

Pinnacle of composers in the Western tradition.
Virtuosic organist and keyboard player, skilled violinist.
Prolific composer: embraced all major styles, forms, genres (except opera)
Born in Germany - had many different positions around Germany throughout his life.
Created the church cantata

Question 2

Handel

Answer 2

German born composer.
Handel’s opera seria - international style
- recitatives in German (initially)
- French overtures and dance numbers
- arias in Italian form
- Germanic counterpoint

Question 3

The Well-Tempered Clavier

Answer 3

Collection of keyboard music by JS Bach

a. each book consists of 24 prelude and fugue pairs in each major and minor key
b. arranged in rising chromatic order
c. demonstrate possibilities of playing in all keys, near-equal temperament

Question 4

The Messiah

Answer 4

a. libretto by Charles Jennens
b. series of contemplations on Christian ideal of redemption
c. texts from the Bible: Old Testament prophecies through life of Christ to his resurrection
d. mixture of traditions in the music

Question 5

Cantata

Answer 5

Before Bach, cantata was short with recitative and aria.
Bach repurposes it to be religious.
1. made it sacred
2. adds choir
3. puts in German
4. based on choir songs