Purcell – Music for a While

Question 1

Section A (bars 1–8)

Answer 1

Melody: Simple vocal line with expressive suspensions (“music for a while” starts bar 1).
Rhythm/Tempo: Moderate, 4/4 with gentle emphasis – conveys calm.
Texture: Voice + basso continuo – balanced; harmonised by harpsichord and bass viol.
Harmony/Tonality: A minor with suspended chords (bar 3) – expressive, sighing.
Instrumentation: Soprano voice, harpsichord, bass viol – typical Baroque ensemble.
Structure: Introduces ground bass pattern and lyrical theme.

Question 2

Section B (bars 9–16)

Answer 2

Melody: More ornamented vocal line (melismas on “eternal” in bar 11).
Rhythm: Rhythm becomes more fluid, with longer melismas – emotional expression.
Texture: Continuo continues; vocal ornaments – decorative.
Harmony/Tonality: Modulates briefly to E minor/G major – emotional variation.
Instrumentation: Same continuo ensemble.
Structure: Contrasting middle section; intensifies text under painting.

Question 3

Return of A (bars 17–end)

Answer 3

Melody: Returns to original phrasing, with slight ornamentation – structural symmetry.
Rhythm: Again moderate 4/4 – restored calm.
Texture: Voice + continuo, simpler – closure.
Harmony/Tonality: Returns to A minor, final perfect cadence (bar end) – sense of completeness.
Instrumentation: Soprano, harpsichord, bass viol.
Structure: Rounds off ternary form; returns to calm opening theme.