Theory
9 terms
Aria
An aria is an extended solo number in an opera or oratorio in which a character reveals their feelings.
Cantata
A cantata is a vocal-instrumental work for singers, choir, and orchestra.
Madrigal
A madrigal is a secular polyphonic vocal work of the Renaissance on love or pastoral poetry.
Mass
The Mass is the musical setting of the principal service of the Catholic Church, for choir, a cappella or with instruments up to full orche…
Motet
A motet is a polyphonic vocal work, mostly sacred, one of the chief genres of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Oratorio
An oratorio is a large vocal-instrumental composition on a dramatic, usually sacred subject, for soloists, choir, and orchestra.
Requiem
A requiem is a Mass for the dead, music of farewell and mourning for the departed.
Recitative
Recitative is a sung declamation that imitates the inflections of speech and carries the opera's plot between arias.
Chorale
A chorale is a solemn four-voice hymn of measured motion, a model of classical harmony.
