Blog

The chants, prayers, and readings within the Mass that vary according to the liturgical occasion.

Refers to the systematic method of worship in the Catholic church as well as describing a medieval coval genre of church music employing the Latin text in the Ordinary of the Mass.

Singing groups of five or six notes for each syllable of text.

A musical illustration to the meaning of words in vocal music

12th and 13th century poet/musicians from Germany, including Bavaria and Austria.

Meaning “dry,” a type of recitative in which a harpsichord alone provides rhythmic freedom and flexibility to the singer in a dramatic scene in Barqoue operas.

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.