Understanding Oratorios and Cantatas

2. Begins on page 96 Chapter 11 Oratorio and Cantata

3. Oratorio Lengthy work for voices and orchestra Consisting of Recitatives Choruses Arias

4. Handels Messiah Contains 53 sections 16 recitatives 19 choruses 16 arias 2 for orchestra Three hours long Copyright 2010 by Schirmer Cengage Learning

5. Aria Accompanied vocal solo in oratorio, cantata, or opera Rather long Accompanied by orchestra Often contains showy passages Repeats words

6. Aria Presents one idea Have form; A B A most common Strict metrical rhythm Memorable melodies

7. Aria Handels Evry Valley Shall Be Exalted from Messiah Virtuoso runs on exalted Text painting on the crooked straight and mountain and low A B A B form, with introduction and closing section

8. The Chorus Sung by a chorus Somewhat lengthy Often repeats words Strict rhythm Accompaniment important Not always easy to sing well Often contrapuntal with imitation

9. Handel: Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah Well-known work Important words occur on important beats Contains text painting Contains imitation

10. Chorale Hymn for Lutheran church Sung by congregation Sung in German Simple melody Strophic Steady rhythm

11. Chorale Chorale melodies were harmonized by Bach and other composers Also served as themes for organ works and cantatas

12. Cantata Contains recitatives, choruses, and arias Much shorter than oratorio Performed in worship service Several parts contain chorale melody Bach: Cantata No. 140, Part IV Zion Hears the Watchmen

13. Summary Oratorio Handels Messiah Aria Handel: Evry Valley from Messiah The Chorus Handel: Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah Chorale Cantata Bach: Cantata No. 140, Part IV Zion Hears