Music for a While Flashcards
(19 cards)
Who composed music for a while
Henry Purcell
What year was Music for a While composed
1692
What is the genre of Music for a While
Baroque
What instruments are used
Solo voice, harpsichord, and bass viol (continuo)
What is the structure of the piece?
Ground bass with verse structure (ternary : A B A)
What is a ground bass?
A repeated bass pattern that underpins the music
What key is the piece in
A minor
Does the piece modulate
Yes - modulates to related keys (e.g. E minor, G major, C major)
What kind of harmony is used
Functional harmony with perfect cadences
Describe the melody
Mostly conjunct with some leaps and ornaments
What ornamentation is used
Trills, mordents, appoggiaturas, grace notes
What word painting is used
“drop” - descending pattern to suggest falling; “pains” - dissonance
What type of voice is used
Originally for tenor or soprano
Where are the lyrics from
From Oedipus by John Dryden and Nathaniel Lee
What is the mood of the piece
Reflective, calm, sorrowful - typical of a lament
What is word painting
Using music to illustrate the text’s meaning
Define ground bass
A repeating bass line over which music is developed
What is basso continuo
Continuous bass part with chordal accompaniment (e.g. harpsichord + bass viol)
Whats the time signature
4/4
