Handel

Oratorio

Sacred vocal work for soloists, chorus, orchestra; no staging.

French Overture

2 parts: Part 1 slow (dotted rhythms), Part 2 fast (imitative/fugal).

Libretto

Text of opera, oratorio, cantata.

Recitativo Secco

Speech-like singing w/ continuo only.

Recitativo Accompagnato

recitative w/ orchestra.

Da Capo Aria

Solo song in ABA form w/ ornamented return.

Word Painting

Music mirrors literal text meaning.

Melisma

Multiple notes sung on one syllable.

Homorhythmic Texture

All voices sing same rhythm for text clarity.

Handel: Life

1685 (Germany) – 1759 (London).

Handel: Style and Genres

Cosmopolitan: German counterpoint, Italian melody, French overture, English choral, grand, word painting, sequential writing. Orchestral, chamber, keyboard, operas, oratorios, sacred vocal

Messiah: Genre

Oratorio

Messiah: Premiere

1742, Dublin (charity benefit; composed in 24 days).

Messiah: Librettist & Source

Charles Jennens; Biblical prose.

Messiah: Structure & Forces

3 Parts; SATB solo, SATB chorus, orchestra w/ continuo.

Messiah: Overture (Form, Key, Part 1 time sig, Part 2 time sig)

French overture; E min; Part 1 Grave 4/4 (dotted), Part 2 Allegro 3/8 (3-voice fugue)

Messiah: Shepherds Recitatives

Alternates Secco/Accompagnato; 16th-note strings = angel wings; Dotted figures = sudden arrival.

Messiah: "Glory to God" (Key, Meter, Tempo, word painting)

D maj, 4/4, Allegro; High voices/trumpets = angels; Low voices/continuo = earth.

Messiah: "Rejoice Greatly" (Key, Tempo, Metre, Form, Word painting)

B-flat maj, Allegro, 4/4; ABA₁ form; Fast 16th-note melisma on "Rejoice"; B section G min.

Messiah: "Hallelujah" (Key, Tempo, Metre, Texture, other)

D maj, Allegro, 4/4; Alternates homophonic & polyphonic; Rising sequence on "King of Kings" = climax; Trumpets/timpani.