The Great Choral Classics

The Great Choral Classics.

What? Music for choirs and orchestra.

Where? Europe.

When? Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.

The Choir

Baroque choirs were all male (in churches). Later choirs were mixed. Choirs are divided into four sections:

Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass. (SATB).

Types of Choral Music

Oratorio - Large choral piece for soloists, choir (SATB) and orchestra. It has a large number of individual movements. eg. Handel's Messiah.

Mass - Choral work based on a Latin text from the Catholic Communion service. Usually in six movements.

Texture

Homophonic - Parts move together in harmony-Chords.

Monophonic - Parts sing the same melody together.

Polyphonic - Parts sing independent melodies.

Venue - Large concert hall or Church.

AoS2 The Great Choral Classics - Traded Tips

Tempo - Various

Rhythm - Various

Articulation - Clear articulation from vocalists important.

Dynamics - Full range of dynamics. Large choirs can be very powerful / Loud.

Expression - Human voice (particularly soloists) can be very expressive.

Devices - Repetition. Imitation (between parts), Fugue.

Texture - Homophonic, Polyphonic, Melody & Accompaniment

Instruments - Choir (including soloists), Orchestra.

Pitch - Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass.

Structure - Oratorio, Mass.

Other... Baroque to Modern. Handel, Bach, Mozart, Verdi, Elgar, Rutter.