 Concepts you will learn:  Oratorio  Opera  Overture  Melisma  Syllabic  Homophonic  Polyphonic  Cantata  Passion  Chorus  Suspension  Recitative  Aria  Mezzo-soprano  Counter-Tenor  Baritone  Chorale

 Covers music written between 1625 and 1750  Famous composers are Bach, Handel and Vivaldi  Music was very decorative which reflected architecture at that time  Development of Oratorio and Opera  Smaller Orchestra, less percussion

 Opera  Non-religious  Large-scale work with S.A.T.B choir and orchestra  Songs, acting and scenery to tell a story  Oratorio  Similar to Opera  Large-scale work with S.A.T.B choir and orchestra  Religious work/biblical theme  Less scenery and acting

 The introduction played by the Orchestra is known as the OVERTURE.  There are 2 types of word setting, MELISMATIC and SYLLABIC.  MELISMA is when the singer uses lots of notes for one syllable.  SYLLABIC is when each syllable has a different note.

 There are two different textures which can be used, HOMOPHONIC and POLYPHONIC.  HOMOPHONIC is when all parts move at the same time, e.g hymn-like  POLYPHONIC is when all parts move at different time and interact with each other.  CHORUS – All the singers of the choir singing together.  CHORALE – A hymn tune.

 ARIA:  An aria is performed by a solo singer with accompaniment  The accompaniment is usually an orchestra or piano.  The singer and accompaniment work together  RECITATIVE:  A recitative is sung by a solo singer.  The performance is half-spoken, half- sung.  The accompaniment is very limited, chords on an organ or harpsichord.  The song is controlled by the singer.

 3 new voices were added to the original SATB.  Soprano  MEZZO-SOPRANO  Alto  COUNTER-TENOR  Tenor  BARITONE  Bass

 Cantata and Passion are similar to Opera and Oratorio but are smaller versions  A CANTATA is a smaller version of an oratorio.  The PASSION is a religious work that is based only on the crucifixion of Christ.