baroque opera
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Baroque Opera
“Opera is the delight of princes.”
Opera Large-scale musical drama, that combines
poetry, acting, scenery, and costumes with singing and instrumental music. Orchestra plays the overture Arias are sung (songs) – da capo aria Recitatives are speechlike declamations of the text
which often move the story line along Secco OR accompagnato
Ensembles (“group” singing) Choruses
More definitions
The writer of the “text” of an opera is called ________________, and the “text” is called the _________________.
Opera in other countries
England – Got a slow start, because Puritans thought that theatre was an invention of the devil.
The spoken word took precedence over the sung.
John Blow’s Venus and Adonis, which was sung throughout; this work paved the way for . . .
Henry Purcell’s (1659-1695) Dido and Aneas, p. 115-117
First performed at a girls’ school. Heard over a “repeating” ground bass. Much chromaticism—emotional aria
When I Am Laid in earth
Description on pp. 116-117
Johann Sebastian Bach(1685-1750)
“The aim and final reason of all music should be nothing else but
the Glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit.”
Bach’s music
Sacred vocal works, including over 200 church cantatas, 7 motets, Magnificat, St. John Passion, St. Matthew Passion, Christmas Oratorio, Mass in B Minor
Secular works Orchestral works (Brandenburg concertos) Chamber music Keyboard and Organ music (MUCH OF THIS!)
Bach and the Sacred Cantata
Devout Lutheran and Church Master Cantatas based on Lutheran Chorale Chorale – Hymn tune (came from Martin
Luther) (origins of the hymn, p. 422) Like Mozart, in that he raised existing
forms to the highest level.
Bach’s Wachtet auf (Sleepers, Awake) 1731, pp. 121-125
Cantata No. 140 (comes from cantare) Integral part of church service (wrote about
60) Seven Movements – multi-movement,
structured with chorus 1, 4, 7 Unified by a chorale (a recognizable tune,
this one written by Philipp Nicolai) Ritornello
George Frideric Handel(1685-1759)
Composer of the famous “Messiah”
The Oratorio Word is derived from the Italian word for “a place
of prayer.” Large-scale, dramatic work with a religious or
Biblical text performed by solo voices, chorus, and orchestra; it is not staged or costumed.
Originally known for opera, but turned to oratorio.
Handel makes the chorus—the people—the center of the drama. As in Greek tragedy, it serves as both protagonist and spectator.
The Messiah
Written in 24 days Libretto from both Old and New Testaments Written in three parts:
Christmas Easter Redemption of the World through faith
p. 128-129
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