Baroque Music Chs. 5-9
A continuation of terminology and forms of Baroque music
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The text of an opera is called the
- A.
Libretto
- B.
Script
- C.
Plot
Correct Answer
A. LibrettoExplanation
The text of an opera is called the libretto. The libretto is the written version of the opera's story and dialogue, including the lyrics to the songs. It serves as the foundation for the opera's performance, providing the singers with their lines and the overall structure of the opera. The libretto is an essential component of an opera, as it allows the performers to bring the story to life and convey the emotions and intentions of the characters to the audience.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Another term for overture is
- A.
Prelude
- B.
Ovation
- C.
Elation
Correct Answer
A. PreludeExplanation
The term "overture" refers to an introductory piece of music that precedes a larger composition, such as an opera or a musical. Similarly, a "prelude" is also an introductory piece of music that sets the tone for a larger work. Therefore, "prelude" is another term for "overture" as both words describe the same concept in the context of music. The other options, "ovation" and "elation," do not have the same meaning as "overture" and are not synonymous with it.Rate this question:
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- 3.
A song for solo voice and orchestral accompaniment is called
- A.
An aria
- B.
A recitative
- C.
A song
- D.
Showing off
Correct Answer
A. An ariaExplanation
An aria is the correct answer because it refers to a song for solo voice with orchestral accompaniment. It is a prominent feature in opera and is typically a showcase for the singer's vocal abilities. Recitative is a type of musical speech used to advance the plot in opera, while a song is a more general term that can refer to any musical composition with vocals. "Showing off" is not a term commonly used to describe this type of musical composition.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A part of an opera in which the vocal line imitates the rhythms and pitch fluctuations of speech is a(n)
- A.
Recitative
- B.
Aria
- C.
Prelude
- D.
Libretto
Correct Answer
A. RecitativeExplanation
A recitative is a part of an opera where the vocal line imitates the rhythms and pitch fluctuations of speech. It is a form of musical declamation, typically used to advance the plot or provide exposition in the opera. Unlike an aria, which is a more melodic and lyrical solo piece, a recitative is more conversational and follows the natural patterns of speech. A prelude is an instrumental introduction to an opera or other musical work, and a libretto refers to the text or lyrics of an opera.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A da capo aria is in ABA form. After the B section, the term da capo is written, telling performers to
- A.
Repeat the A section with added ornaments
- B.
Repeat the A section exactly as before
- C.
Repeat the A and B sections
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Repeat the A section with added ornamentsExplanation
In a da capo aria, the term "da capo" means "from the beginning." After the B section, performers are instructed to repeat the A section, but with added ornaments. This means that they should sing the A section again, but embellish it with additional musical decorations or flourishes. This adds variation and interest to the repetition of the A section, making it more elaborate and expressive.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The first composer of operatic masterpieces was
- A.
Monteverdi
- B.
Purcell
- C.
Bach
- D.
Handel
Correct Answer
A. MonteverdiExplanation
Monteverdi is considered the first composer of operatic masterpieces because he played a pivotal role in the development of opera as a genre. He composed several groundbreaking operas, including "L'Orfeo" and "The Coronation of Poppea," which showcased his innovative use of vocal expression, dramatic storytelling, and musical techniques. Monteverdi's contributions to opera laid the foundation for future composers and helped establish the art form as a significant genre in Western classical music.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Monteverdi's Tu se' morta from the opera Orfeo uses word painting, which is
- A.
The musical representation of poetic images
- B.
Imagining visual images of the poetic words
- C.
Showing the inspiration of Vignali's painting of Orpheus and Euridice
Correct Answer
A. The musical representation of poetic imagesExplanation
Monteverdi's Tu se' morta from the opera Orfeo uses word painting, which refers to the technique of musically representing the meaning of the words being sung. In this case, the music is used to depict the poetic images in the text, allowing the listener to visualize and experience the emotions and events described in the opera. This technique adds depth and enhances the overall artistic expression of the piece.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The opera, Dido and Aeneas, was written by
- A.
Purcell
- B.
Monteverdi
- C.
Vivaldi
- D.
Handel
Correct Answer
A. PurcellExplanation
The correct answer is Purcell because Henry Purcell is the composer of the opera Dido and Aeneas. Purcell was an English composer who lived from 1659 to 1695 and is considered one of the greatest composers of the Baroque period. Dido and Aeneas is one of his most famous works and is a tragic opera based on the story of Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and her love for the Trojan hero Aeneas. The opera is known for its beautiful melodies and expressive music, making it a significant contribution to the opera genre.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A type of repetition in which the bassline is repeated over and over while the melodies above it change is called
- A.
Ground bass
- B.
Repetitive
- C.
A fugue
- D.
A canon
Correct Answer
A. Ground bassExplanation
Ground bass is a type of repetition in which the bassline is repeated continuously while the melodies above it change. This technique creates a sense of stability and provides a solid foundation for the changing melodies. The repeating bassline acts as a musical anchor, allowing the composer to explore different variations and developments in the upper voices. Ground bass is commonly used in various musical genres, including classical, baroque, and folk music. It adds a sense of continuity and structure to the composition while allowing for creative variations in the melodies.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A recitative that is accompanied by the entire orchestra is called a(n) ___________________ recitative
- A.
Accompanied
- B.
Secco
- C.
Da capo
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. AccompaniedExplanation
An accompanied recitative is a type of recitative that is supported by the entire orchestra. Unlike secco recitative, which is accompanied only by a basso continuo, an accompanied recitative involves the full orchestral accompaniment. Da capo recitative, on the other hand, refers to a specific type of aria form and is not related to the orchestral accompaniment. Therefore, the correct answer is accompanied.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A recitative that is accompanied only by the basso continuo is called a(n) __________________ recitative.
- A.
Accompanied
- B.
Secco
- C.
Da capo
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. SeccoExplanation
A recitative that is accompanied only by the basso continuo is called a secco recitative. In this type of recitative, the singer is accompanied solely by a bass instrument (such as a cello or bassoon) and a keyboard instrument (such as a harpsichord or organ). This minimal accompaniment allows for greater flexibility and freedom in the vocal line, allowing the singer to emphasize the text and convey the emotions of the music more effectively. Secco recitatives are commonly found in Baroque opera and oratorio.Rate this question:
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