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The Baroque era (c. 1600-1750)

The Baroque era (c. 1600-1750). An era of new ideas and innovations in the arts, literature and philosophy Italy led the way in new ideas and fashion Baroque comes from Barocco = P ortuguese for ‘pearl’ Most famous baroque composers were. George Frideric Handel.

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The Baroque era (c. 1600-1750)

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  1. The Baroque era (c. 1600-1750) • An era of new ideas and innovations in the arts, literature and philosophy • Italy led the way in new ideas and fashion • Baroque comes from Barocco = Portuguese for ‘pearl’ • Most famous baroque composers were

  2. George Frideric Handel • Born in Germanyin 1685 • Devoted his life to music at age 18. • Famous pieces include ‘Water Music’, Music for the Royal Fireworks’ and ‘Messiah. • Went blind towards the end of his life and died in England in 1759. Buried in Westminster Abbey, London.

  3. Handel’s ‘Messiah’ is an ‘Oratorio’? • Musical work based on words and stories from the bible • Uses operatic forms such as recitative, chorus and aria and, originally, was acted out with scenery and full costume • Similar to opera but only used texts for the story that were taken from the bible • By the time of Handel, the ‘acting’ element to the oratorio had ceased.

  4. Messiah • Most well-known of all the oratorios • Libretto (story/words) is in three main parts – telling the story of the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ • Part 1 – prophecies tell of the coming of the Messiah; story of Jesus’ birth • Part 2 – ‘passion’ music of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus • Part 3 – tells of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead

  5. Background to Messiah • Composed in 1741 in just 24 days • Until 1741 Italian operas were very popular but these became less popular – the idea of sacred opera in English proved to be a popular substitute. • The church forbade biblical stories to be acted out in the theatre so they were performed in concert performances instead.

  6. Features of Baroque music • Ornamented melodic parts • Major/minor key system (replaced modes) • Use of Diatonic chords of I, IV, V, II and VI • Basso continuo (continuous bass) • Variety of musical textures, such as monophonic, homophonic and polyphonic • Baroque orchestra – strings, harpsichord, trumpets, horns and drums. Various woodwind instruments, but not standardized. • Prevalence of one mood • Contrasting dynamics: Loud/Soft

  7. Styles of music found in an Oratorio • Recitative– sung by a solo singer - the basic idea is to get the words of the narration over with a minimum use of music. Accompanied by just a few instruments. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaIf44hNex0&feature=related • Aria – a solo song with instrumental accompaniment. The music is more elaborate than in the recitative to display the vocal qualities and expertise of the singer. • Chorus – performed by a choir - sums up the action so far at that point in the drama • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMaUt_0zkIc&feature=related

  8. Title: And the Glory of the Lord’ by G.F. Handel

  9. COPY Handel uses 4 contrasting musical ideasOne for each line of text • And the Glory of the Lord • shall be revealed • and all flesh shall see it together, • for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.

  10. COPY 1. ‘And the Glory of the Lord’ • Syllabic = one note per syllable • First 3 notes outline triad of A major • Stepwise scale ending 2. ‘shall be revealed’ • Melismatic = several notes per syllable • Use of two descending sequences 3. ‘and all flesh shall see it together’ • Repetitive idea (3 statements of a descending pattern) 4. ‘for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it’. • Long, repeated notes

  11. COPY Sung by a choir (SATB) • S = SopranoHigh female voices • A = Alto Low female voices • T = TenorHigh male voices • B = Bass Low male voices

  12. COPY Instruments in ‘And the Glory of The Lord’ • Violins 1 • Violins 2 • Violas • Continuo bass (‘cellos, doubles bass, harpsichord) • The orchestra would probably been quite small – about 16 players altogether.

  13. COPY General Points • Tempo-The chorus is marked allegro (fast) • Time signature - The chorus is in 3/4 time • The lively triple time dance tempo gives a feeling of ‘One in a bar’ • Key signature -The home key is A major • Dynamics - The music is quite loud throughout

  14. Summary of main choral styles

  15. Copy out the Summary table (p15) • Answer questions 1-9 in full sentences. (p15)

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