CMCH Set Works 2025

#worstUoSC

Plainchant (from morality play): Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), In principio omnes, from Ordo Virtutum. "In the beginning," The Virtues

Era: Medieval (12th c.), monophonic chant. 

Instruments: Voices only (female choir, no instruments). Genre: Plainchant from morality play. 

Programmatic Aim: Spiritual struggle of virtues vs. devil. Style: Free rhythm, modal, melismatic.

Motet: Victoria (1548-1611), O magnum mysterium. "O great mystery"

Era: Renaissance (16th c.), polyphonic imitation.

Instruments: SATB choir, a cappella. 

Genre: Motet. Programmatic Aim: Contemplation of Nativity mystery. 

Style: Smooth sacred polyphony, modal harmonies.

Cantata (17C): Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677), Lagrime mie “My tears”

Era: Early Baroque (17th c.), expressive recitative. Instruments: Soprano voice, continuo (harpsichord, theorbo). 

Genre: Cantata. 

Programmatic Aim: Expressing grief and lament. 

Style: Chromatic, highly expressive, recitative + aria alternation.

Mass: J.S. Bach (1685-1750), Missa in B minor of 1733, Kyrie eleison I

Era: Baroque (18th c.), complex counterpoint. 

Instruments: Choir, orchestra (strings, winds, continuo). Genre: Mass. 

Programmatic Aim: Prayer for mercy. 

Style: Dense polyphony, solemn imitation.

Beethoven (1770-1827), Eroica Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, I

Era: Classical → Romantic transition (1803). 

Instruments: Full orchestra (strings, winds, brass, timpani).
Genre: Symphony. 

Programmatic Aim: Heroic ideals, revolutionary spirit. Style: Bold, dramatic, motivic development.

W.A. Mozart (1756 - 1791), Piano Concerto in A, K. 488, I

Era: Classical (1786). 

Instruments: Piano solo, orchestra (strings, winds). 

Genre: Concerto. 

Programmatic Aim: None. 

Style: Elegant, lyrical, clear phrasing.

Joseph Bologne (1745-1799), String Quartet No.6 in D Major I.

Era: Classical (1770s–80s). 

Instruments: 2 violins, viola, cello. 

Genre: String quartet. 

Programmatic Aim: None. 

Style: Graceful, balanced, conversational.

Song cycle: Schumann (1810 – 1856), Dichterliebe (A Poet's Love), Im wunderschönen Monat Mai (In the wondrous month of May).

Era: Romantic (1840). 

Instruments: Voice, piano. 

Genre: Song cycle (Lied). 

Programmatic Aim: Longing, unfulfilled love.

 Style: Subtle, unresolved harmonies, intimate.

Wagner (1813–1883), Tristan und Isolde, Liebestod (“Love-Death”)

Era: Romantic (1865). 

Instruments: Large orchestra, soprano. 

Genre: Opera (aria-like conclusion). 

Programmatic Aim: Transcendent love/death union. 

Style: Lush, chromatic, continuous melody.

Antonin Dvorák (1841 – 1904), Dumky Piano Trio, I

Era: Romantic (1890s).

Instruments: Piano, violin, cello. 

Genre: Piano trio. 

Programmatic Aim: Contrasting moods (lament vs. dance). Style: Alternating melancholy and lively folk rhythms.

Webern (1883 – 1945), Symphony Op. 21

Era: Early 20th c. (1928). 

Instruments: Chamber orchestra (small forces). 

Genre: Symphony. 

Programmatic Aim: Abstract, none. 

Style: Sparse, pointillist, Klangfarbenmelodie.

Stravinsky (1882 – 1971), The Rite of Spring, “Dance of the Adolescents”

Era: Early 20th c. (1913). 

Instruments: Large orchestra (percussion, brass, strings). Genre: Ballet. 

Programmatic Aim: Pagan ritual, fertility rites. 

Style: Aggressive rhythms, dissonance, ostinato.