CE exam Flashcards
(39 cards)
Opera
-Italian + French
-Monteverdi, Handel, Lully
-Preformed in opera hall in palace
- Themes of old myths, legends, hero’s and gods
- Secular
- Usually all men
- 2 or more hours
Cantata
- German
- Bach
- Preformed in Church
- Themes of bible readings for that sunday
- Sacred
- Men and Boys
- Polyphonic texture with Homophonic Chorale
- 20-30 Minutes
Oratorio
- Native language of the audience
- Origin in England, and then it spread
- Handel
- Preformed in Church
- Themes of the Old Testament (oppression) and is relatable at the time since Europe is in political turmoil at the time
- Sacred
- Men and Women
- 2 or more hours
Recitative
Sung dialogue, speech-like rhythm, used to help advance the plot or story line. Light accompaniment by harpsichord or orchestra, small range (quite often many words on the same note).
Aria
Solo piece (song), tends to be emotional or intensely dramatic, shows of singers vocal capabilities and is accompanied by orchestra.
Ensemble Numbers
Duets, Trios, Quartets…
Accompanied by orchestra.
Chorus
The townspeople, soldiers, crowd of on-lookers - groups of people who helped set the scene, form the background for the main characters.
accompanied by orchestra
Aristocrats
People who ruled the country liked these plots (operas) because they liked to identify themselves with the characters on stage.
Castrati
The stars of opera as well as leading ladies.
How many German Cantatas did Bach compose and why?
More than 200 for his church job which demanded new ones ever sunday or two (due to the Protestant Church calendar)
Monteverdi
- Injected emotional intensity into his work which was new to music
- Originated the style concitato (agitated style) to portray passion
- Master of polyphonic writing
Solo Concerto
- 3 Movements
- Soloist with orchestra: mostly strings, flute, oboe, bassoon, timpani, brass (no valves)
- Idea of contrast - movements in different tempos , moods also contrast of soloist <—> orchestra
Concerto Grosso
- 3-4 movements
- More than one soloist with orchestra
- Concertino <—> Ripieno
- Small group - full orchestra (tutti/all)
- Same concept as Solo Conerto
- Sudden dynamics (no crescendo or decrescendo)
Suite
- 2 or more movements (often 4-7)
- Orchestra: mostly strings, with flute, oboe, bassoon, timpani, brass (no valves)
- All movements in same key, based of dance forms (gigue, aid, hornpipe)
Sonata da CHIESA
- 3-5 movements
- Soloists or small group (2-6 players)
- Chruch Sonata: slow - fast - slow - fast often counterpoint, some dance forms, serious as it is played in church
Sonata da CAMERA
- 3-5 movements
- Soloists or small group (2-6 players)
- Chamber Sonata, preformed in homes and courts
- Mostly based on dance forms
- Some counterpoint
- Lighter/less serious
Trio Sonata
- 3-5 movements
- Most common for 2 violins & BASSO CONTINUO
- Required 2 players Basso + 2 Violins (total 4)
- Harpsichord or organ and cello or string bass
Basso Continuo
The “rhythm section” of the Baroque orchestra. Typically two players - bass instrument and keyboard instrument.
When was Baroque Period?
1600-1750
Prelude
- Fairly short piece based on continuous expansion of a melodic or rhythmic idea
- Used to introduce a group of dance pieces, or a fugue
- Usually homophonic, which then contrasted with the contrapuntal nature of the fugue which followed
Toccata
- Free and rhapsodic in form
- Displays virtuosity of preformer
- Popular form for organ, especially in Northern Germany
- Virtuoso piece on its’ own, or as an introduction to a fugue
Invention
Short piece for keyboard, in contrapuntal style
Fugue
- A composition developed upon a certain subject or theme, which is announced at first in one part only.
- This theme is imitated according to certain compositional techniques such as diminution, augmentation, etc.
Subject (Fugue)
- The theme upon which the composition is written
- Easy to remember
- Clear key
- May begin in any part (voice)
