Chapter 8

Question 1

Concertato Madrigal

Answer 1

17th century madrigal with instrumental accompaniment (basso continuo with or without additional instruments)

Question 2

Ground Bass

Answer 2

A short phrase repeated over and over again in the lowest voice.

Provides harmonic framework.
Provides continuity when the other voices stop singing

Question 3

Arietta

Answer 3

A small song or aria

Question 4

Ritornello

Answer 4

Musical idea that returns at several points in the work, usually after a contrasting passage

Question 5

Ritornello Principle

Answer 5

Structural basis composers use to create large-scale works around successive returns of an opening idea

Especially important in the concerto

Question 6

Cours de air

Answer 6

Popular type of secular vocal music in France.

Late renaissance and early baroque (1570-1650)

Question 7

Madrigal comedy

Answer 7

Series of polyphonic madrigals connected loosely through plot and characters. Late 16th century.

Question 8

Recitative

Answer 8

Largely syllabic style of singing where the singer is allowed to sing in free rhythm (like ordinary speech)