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