Style Characteristics/Features Examples Concerto Grosso Small group of soloists pitted against a larger group of players (tutti) 1st and last movement in ritornello form. Brandenburg Concerto No.5 in D Major-J.S. Bach Fugue Polyphonic composition based on 1 main theme (subject). Different melodic lines (voices) imitate the subject. Usually includes 3,4 or 5 voices. SATB. A prelude is usually played before it. Organ Fugue in G Minor-J.S Bach Opera Drama that is sung to orchestral accompaniment. Characters and plot are revealed through song, rather than speech. Includes an Aria -> a song for solo voice with orchestral accompaniment, and an outpouring of melody that expresses an emotional state. A recitative is often included -> vocal line that imitates the rhythms and pitch uctuations of speech Orfeo - Claudio Monterverdi Baroque Sonata A composition in several movements for 1 to 8 instruments. Often composed as trio sonatas (3 melodic lines which included 2 high lines and a basso continuo) Involves 4 instrumentalists. Sonata da chiesa (church sonata) vs Sonata da camera (chamber sonata) Trio Sonata in A Minor Op.3, No. 10-Arcangelo Corelli Solo Concerto A piece for a single soloists and an orchestra. Includes instruments such as violin, solo ute, piccolo, cello, bassoon etc. Spring (La Primavera), Concerto for Violin and String Orchestra, Op.8 No.1, from The Four Seasons -Antonio Vivaldi Mass Religious songs set to religious texts, played in churches as a form of worship and reverence to God. Parts of the liturgy include Kyrie eleison (Lord have mercy), Gloria (Glory be to God in the highest), Credo (I believe), Sanctus (Holy, holy, holy), Benedictus (Blessed be he who comes in the name of the Lord) and the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God). Mass in B Minor -J.S. Bach Suites Dance inspired movements for solo instruments, small groups and orchestras. Made up of movements that are all written in the same key but differ in tempo, meter and character. Allemande (moderately paced), Sarabande (slow and solemn), gigue (fast). Movements are usually in a 2 part form, AA BB Suite No. 3 in D Major -J.S. Bach BAROQUE Christie Ann Wee (6) 4E
Chorale A hymn tune usually sung to a German religious text. Easy to sing and remember, having only one note to a syllable and moving in steady rhythm. They were tunes that had been composed in 16th-17th Centuries or had been adapted from folk songs and Catholic hymns. Chorale Cantata-J.S. Bach Cantata A piece that is sung, usually written for chorus, vocal soloists, organ and a small orchestra. Had a German religious text, either newly written or from the Bible. Cantata No. 140: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Awake a Voice is Calling Us) -J.S. Bach Oratorio Large scale composition for chorus, vocal soloists, and orchestra usually set to a narrative text. Different from opera as it has no acting, scenery or costume. Based on biblical stories but they are not usually intended for religious services. Performed in concert halls or churches. Messiah - George Frideric Handel CLASSICAL Christie Ann Wee (6) 4E
Sonata Form Refers to the form of a single movement. 3 main sections: Exposition (presentation of themes), Development (themes are treated in new ways) and Recapitulation (themes return). Concludes with a Coda. Symphony NO. 40 in G Minor, K. 550 - W.A. Mozart Theme and Variations Exists as an independent piece or as one movement of a symphony, sonata or string quartet. Theme is repeated over and over and is changed each time. Each variation is usually about the same length as the theme, but it includes changes in melody, rhythm, harmony, accompaniment, dynamics, or tone colour. Symphoony No. 94 in G Major (Surprise)- Joseph Haydn Minuet and Trio Often used as the 3rd movement of classical symphonies and string quartets. The minuet movement is written for listening, not dancing. It is in triple meter and in moderate tempo. It has an ABA form, with the trio being usually quieter than the minuet section and requiring fewer instruments. It often includes woodwind solos. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music) - W.A. Mozart Rondo It can be used as an independent piece or as 1 movement of a symphony, string quartet or sonata. However, it often serves as a nale because of its liveliness bring a sense of conclusion. Features a tuneful main theme (A) which returns several times in alternation with other themes. It is usually lively, pleasing and simple to remember. ABACA form. String Quartet in C Minor, Op.18, No.4 -Ludwig Van Beethoven