Key terms

Question 1

Recitative

Answer 1

A part of the oratorio which tells a story or moves the story along.

• Simple word settings
• Always use syllabic
• the accompaniment is usually a continuo

Question 2

Recitativo Secco

Answer 2

Dry recitative, the accompaniment is just a continuo, simple chords.

Question 3

Recitativo Stomentato

Answer 3

Accompanied recitative. Orchestra accompanying it, no strong tune.

Question 4

Recitativo Arioso

Answer 4

An aria like recitative, more song like. Conveys more emotion.

Question 5

Aria

Answer 5

A type of song with a strong melody usually accompanied with orchestra and soloist.

Question 6

Da Capo Aria

Answer 6

A song with ABA1 form.

Question 7

Chorus

Answer 7

A full orchestra and choir, the key moments providing the most excitement.

Question 8

Ornamentation

Answer 8

Used to decorate a simple tune to make a melody more interesting. E.g. Grace note, mordent and trills.

Question 9

Baroque Orchestra

Answer 9

• Strings - Violin, Viola, Cello , Double bass
• Woodwind - Oboe, Bassoon, Recorder, Flute
• Percussion - Timpani ( Kettle drum), Harpsichord
• Brass - Simple trumpets, French horn, Trombone (All of these could only play notes from the harmonic series)

Question 10

Melismatic (Melisma)

Answer 10

More than one note per syllable. E.g. Gloria

Question 11

Syllabic

Answer 11

Each syllable has its own note. E.g. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Question 12

Word Painting

Answer 12

When the tune/ melody reflects or mimics what the lyrics are about.

Question 13

Dramatic Silence

Answer 13

A silence that happens in the middle of a piece to create dramatic effect.

Question 14

Changes of Tempo and Time Signature

Answer 14

Sudden changes of tempo and time signature for effect.