Forms
Two sections that are each repeated twice (AB)
What is Binary Form?
How loud or how soft a piece of music is performed
What are dynamics?
A single performing person or instrumentalist
What is a solo?
The group of eight notes on which a melody is based, can be either major or minor
What is a key?
One of the first known arias composed by a woman
“La Vendetta” by Barbara Strozzi
Composed in binary form; part of a suite
“Water Music: Hornpipe” by George Frederic Handel
A conversation between an ensemble and a solo; the introduction and restatement of the ensemble
What is a ritornello?
The speed of a musical work
What is the tempo?
“That which is sung”
What is a cantata?
Moving from one key to another
What is a modulation?
Originally composed for the organ but later transposed for a full orchestra
“Fugue in G Minor” by Johann Sebastian Bach
A larger work based off a chorale
“Cantata 140: A Voice Calls to Us” by Johann Sebastian Bach
An unstaged opera based on a sacred topic that had no props or costumes
What is an oratorio?
The words or lyrics or a song
What is a libretto?
The narrational song of an opera that explains what’s happening
What is a recitative?
The particular note to which the key relates
What is the tonic?
The first opera written in English, tells the story of a widowed queen and a prince
“Dido and Aeneas” by Henry Purcell
Composed for four soloists (trumpet, oboe, violin, recorder) and an ensemble
An instrumental work for a soloist and supporting ensemble
What is a concerto?
A melody performed with supporting accompaniment
What is homophonic?
a large musical instrument consisting of metal pipes connected to a keyboard
What is an organ?
A series of dance movements
What is a suite?
A homophonic piece where a man goes to the underworld to rescue his wife
“Orpheus” by Claudio Monteverdi
Includes the Hallelujah chorus and has a variety of textures
“The Messiah” by George Frederic Handel
A central theme that is layered from highest to lowest voice
What is a fugue?
A short pattern of notes repeated over and over
What is an ostinato?
A drama sung from beginning to end
What is an opera?
A ritornello concerto and program piece used to describe a season
“The Four Seasons: Winter” by Antonio Vivaldi