Music 3

Front 1

opera

Back 1

"Works" - a large stage production where the singer/actors sing every line of the script, usually Italian

Front 2

opus

Back 2

"Work" - the "Op." sign apears after many composition titles, indicating a catalog number that identifies chronology of the pice in composer's library

Front 3

aria

Back 3

"song" - an elaborate lyrical song for a man or woman solo singer with orchestral accompaniment; found in operas, oratorios, and musical theater

Front 4

recitative

Back 4

dialogue in an opera or oratorio that must be sung; however it is not as formal as an aria or chorus, and has no set rhythm, therefore no meter

Front 5

camerata

Back 5

the first "Board of Directors"; developed rules which govern the techniques of performance for opera (later oratirio as well), funded the first productions

Front 6

libretto

Back 6

the "script" of an opera and oratorio; usually taken from an existing literary work

Front 7

movement

Back 7

a large, independant composition that is combined with others to form a single larger work

Front 8

concerto

Back 8

a 3 movement composition for instrumental soloist/soloists with orchestral accompaniment; secular, in that there are NO singers

Front 9

terraced dynamics

Back 9

sharp and abrupt contrasts between louds and softs; no gradual dynamic changes done in this period

Front 10

ritornello

Back 10

music that returns, like refrains in hymns and popular music

Front 11

tutti

Back 11

all, or everybody; the entire orchestra and / or chorus

Front 12

canon

Back 12

simple imitation, using the same note-names, regardless of the octave (ex: soprano imitated by a bass)

Front 13

fugue

Back 13

the new "high tech" form of imitation made famous by Bach; "imitation" is 5 notes higher than the original melody (called subject), or 4 notes lower; they're the same

Front 14

chorale

Back 14

a simple Lutheran hymn tune, usually by Martin Luther himself, sung in Soprano-Alto-Tenor-Bass choir settings. All 4 voice parts move at the same time, with the Melody ALWAYS in the soprano part (homophonic texture)

Front 15

chorus

Back 15

the music which utilizes the entire singing "cast" on stage; usually reserved for the end of "acts" or ends of Operas, oratorios, and musical theater

Front 16

harpsichord

Back 16

the "Grandparent" of the modern piano; a wooden arm with a guitar "pick" plucked the string when the key was depressed. It had "pedals" later on, but lacked dynamic control and volume of the modern piano

Front 17

continuo

Back 17

this refers to the role played by the harpsichord and cello in baroque orchestras; indicates the ability of the instruments to potentially keep playing without need for a "stop." this was a requirement set down by Bach, that music must not have rests

Front 18

cantata

Back 18

a lutheran version of the catholic motet; a 7/8/9 movement for chorus, orchestra, organ, or harpsichord, and vocal soloists; tells a story, a fable, a lesson

Front 19

oratorio

Back 19

a sacred opera; a composition for soloists and chorus (similar to "principles & cast") in an opera, but sacred in content. it uses the bible as the "libretto", eliminates the costumes, sets, "castrati" singing women's roles, & make-up. Messiah is the most famous - G.F. Handel

Front 20

toccata & Fugue

Back 20

made famous by Bach; a 2-movement masterpiece for the pipe organ, bach's favorite instrument to play. toccata imitates improvistaion; fugue is virtuoso imitation based on "subjects" of the toccata