Music History: Oratorio vs. Opera

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Questions and Answers

What is an oratorio? How does it differ from opera?

An oratorio is a large-scale musical work for orchestra and voices, typically a narrative on a religious theme, performed without the use of costumes, scenery, or action. It differs from an opera because an oratorio is a concert piece while an opera is musical theater.

Choose one of the composers discussed over the semester. How would you describe this composer's music?

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's music is characterized by amazing contrast, elegance, technical command, and emotional depth.

Choose one piece of music from the Romantic period. Identify the piece of music. What emotion do you think the piece is illustrating? Why?

"Erlkönig" composed by Franz Schubert illustrates desperation, anxiety, and persuasion.

Describe medieval music's relationship with the Catholic Church. How was the music influenced by the church?

Medieval music was heavily influenced by the Catholic Church as composers were employed to create music for religious services. Signup and view all the answers

What is sonata form? How is it related to sonata?

Sonata form is a type of composition in three sections where two themes or subjects are explored according to set key relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What three major institutions supported composers prior to the Romantic era? What was this system called?

The church, court, and opera house were the three major institutions that supported composers prior to the Romantic era, known as the patronage system. Signup and view all the answers

How did the role of music change from the medieval period to the Renaissance? How did it stay the same?

The role of music changed as Renaissance composers felt obligated to use plainchants, treating them as paraphrases, and there was a new sensitivity to sonority. Signup and view all the answers

What group of accompaniment instruments were a nearly universal feature of Baroque music? Name a few of these instruments and describe their role.

A basso continuo was a nearly universal feature of Baroque music, typically including an organ, harpsichord, cello, or bassoon. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a few ways that the music from the Romantic period differed from the classical period.

Romantic period music had melodies with more irregular rhythm and phrase structure, while orchestras were expanded with more performers and instruments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a sequence? Give at least one example of a composition that uses this technique and how it is used.

A sequence is the duplication of a phrase at two or more different pitch levels. An example is "Columba aspexit," which consists of a series of short tunes with some variation. Signup and view all the answers

How does the music from classical music differ from the music of the Baroque period?

Classical music rhythms are highly flexible, making it more interesting and exciting, while Baroque rhythm stayed constant. Signup and view all the answers

Describe one mode of listening according to Aaron Copland. Give an example of how this might be used when listening to something.

One mode of listening is the sensuous plane, which is what most individuals use when listening to music as a pastime. Signup and view all the answers

What is polyphonic music? How does it differ from monophonic music? List an example of each.

Polyphonic music involves two or more melodies played or sung simultaneously, while monophonic music is a single unaccompanied melody. Signup and view all the answers

What is a symphonic poem? How is it related to program music?

A symphonic poem is a one-movement orchestral composition with a program, in a free musical form. Signup and view all the answers

Choose a piece from the modern era. What makes this music characteristic of the period?

Piano concerto in G major by Maurice Ravel is characteristic of the modern era due to its short breaks of instrumental interludes. Signup and view all the answers

Choose a composer and briefly discuss why they are an influential figure in their particular music period.

Ludwig van Beethoven is influential for shattering music boundaries and translating feelings into music. Signup and view all the answers

What are Peters Kivy's four styles of writing about music?

Biographical, autobiographical, emotive description, and technical description. Signup and view all the answers

How does the music of the Renaissance differ from music today? How is it the same?

Renaissance music has a more mellow tone color, while today’s music features a variety of textures and rhythms. Signup and view all the answers

Name one major composer of the Baroque period and describe one of their compositions.

Johann Sebastian Bach is a major composer of the Baroque period. His "Brandenburg Concerto No. 5" features a bright tone color with three movements. Signup and view all the answers

Name the three most important classical period composers from our textbook and a composition by each.

Ludwig van Beethoven (Symphony No. 9 in D minor), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Symphony No. 40 in G minor), and Franz Joseph Haydn (Symphony No. 93 in D major). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oratorio vs. Opera

Oratorio is a large-scale work for orchestra and voices, typically religious and performed without costumes or action.
Operas are theatrical performances that include staged productions, costumes, and acting.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart's music features contrast, elegance, technical command, and emotional depth, marking him as influential in the Classical era.
His innovative orchestration contributed significantly to the development of classical music.

"Erlkönig" by Franz Schubert

"Erlkönig," a lied, illustrates emotions of desperation, anxiety, and persuasion.
The piece's dark atmosphere is achieved through harsh triplets and the interplay between vocal lines and piano rhythm.

Medieval Music's Relationship with the Catholic Church

Music was predominantly sacred, composed for religious services due to church employment of composers.
The Catholic Church's influence made sacred music the most significant genre of the medieval period.

Sonata Form

Sonata form consists of three sections exploring two themes with specific key relationships, foundational to classical music genres.
A sonata is a composition for one or two instruments supported by basso continuo, emphasizing different musical structures.

Patronage System

Three major institutions—church, court, and opera house—supported composers before the Romantic era, known as the patronage system.

Transition from Medieval to Renaissance Music

Renaissance composers embraced plainchants as paraphrases, while showing increased sensitivity to sonority.
The use of simple homophony persisted among some composers.

Basso Continuo in Baroque Music

Basso continuo, an essential baroque feature, includes a bass line with chords added by instruments like organ or harpsichord, played by cello or bassoon.

Comparing Romantic and Classical Music

Romantic music features irregular melodies and emotional expressiveness, expanding orchestras for varied tone colors.
The growth in orchestra size allowed enhanced creativity in sound mixing.

Sequence in Music

Sequence involves repeating a phrase at different pitch levels, prevalent in various musical styles.
"Columba aspexit" exemplifies this, employing a series of short tunes with variations.

Classical vs. Baroque Music

Classical music rhythm is flexible, making it more engaging compared to the constant rhythm of baroque music.
Increased roles for woodwinds and brass in orchestras characterize the classical period.

Aaron Copland's Modes of Listening

The sensuous plane is a common mode of listening used for casual enjoyment of music.
This mode reflects personal listening habits, highlighting its accessibility and relatability.

Polyphonic vs. Monophonic Music

Polyphonic music comprises two or more simultaneous melodies, creating harmony; monophonic is a single unaccompanied melody.
Examples include "Mille regrets" by Josquin for polyphonic and "Alleluia. Diffusa est gratia" for monophonic music.

Symphonic Poem

A symphonic poem is a one-movement orchestral composition with a program, distinct from traditional forms.
Franz Liszt’s "Hamlet" exemplifies a symphonic poem through its programmatic portrayal of narrative and emotion.

Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major

Characteristic of the modern era with instrumental interludes and blues themes, Ravel's piece embraces entertainment.
It showcases varied tone colors and rhythms, enhancing musical engagement.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven revolutionized music with his innovative techniques and emotional expression.
His contribution shattered previously established musical boundaries.

Peter Kivy's Writing Styles

Kivy identifies four styles of writing about music: biographical, autobiographical, emotive description, and technical description.

Renaissance Music vs. Modern Music

Renaissance music has mellower tone colors compared to the vast diversity found in contemporary music.
Some elements remain common, such as the use of chromatics and polyphonic textures present today.

Johann Sebastian Bach

A prominent baroque composer, Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 5" features a bright tone color and incorporates ritornello and cadenza across three movements.

Classical Composers and their Works

Key composers from the Classical period include Beethoven (Symphony No. 9), Mozart (Symphony No. 40), and Haydn (Symphony No. 93).

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Description

Explore the distinctions between oratorio and opera, two significant forms of vocal music. Delve into the influence of composers like Mozart and Schubert, and examine the relationship of medieval music with the Catholic Church. Test your knowledge on these essential topics in music history.