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Similar to opera seria in form, using the tools of recitative, aria, and chorus with orchestra accompaniment, the oratorio uses epic tales and Biblical narratives as its libretto sources. Generally not staged, costumed, or acted out, but rather performed in a concert environment.

(1098-1179) a poet, musician, composer, and religious writer known for her melismatic chants.

A complete piece functioning as a chapter within a larger a musical work which contains several movements necessary to achieve its overall design.

Gothic period church vocal genre first initiating polyphony as a texture.

This term is recognized as meaning “rebirth” and refers to the historical period of 1430 to 1600 A.D.

A form of Medieval polyphony where the upper voice moves with the chant in a parallel rhythm and interval before resolving to the chant final tone

The pitch upon which most of the syllables of a chant are sung, generally located above the final.

A musical texture of two or more voices, one voice repeats or simulates the melody of another voice.

The sun’s energy comes from:

(1653-1713) A virtuoso violinist in the Baroque period and composer of early instrumental works which aided in the development of the trio sonata and early solo sonatas. He held court positions and as a composer influenced J. S. Bach’s style and that of Handel.