Handel Revision

Use of scale to create melodic shapes.

Imitation.

Sequence used in second melodic theme: 'shall be revealed'.

Repeptition used in third melodic theme: 'and all flesh shall see it together'.

Hemiola: Change of rhythmic emphasis hints at two beats at a bar, common in an approach to a cadence.

The structure of this piece is a 'chorus'.

It is taken from the bigger form, 'an oratorio'.

Oratorio is a religious version of an opera with choruses, arias and duets included.

This oratoria is called 'Messiah' and tells the story of the birth, death and resurrection of Christ.

Another chorus from this work is 'Hallelujah chorus'.

The chorus sums up the story to this point. Not much has happened at this point so it consolidates the joyful feel of the work.

Four vocal parts: soprano, alto, tenor and bass.

A small orchestra is included:

violin, viola, cello and bass.

Basso continuo played on the cello here.

Vocal techniques: syllabic, melissma

Bowing in the strings.

Four main melodies:

• 'And the Glory of the Lord'
• 'Shall be revealed'
• 'And all flesh shall see it together'
• 'For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it'.

Melodies are imitated and sometimes combined.

Strings sometimes play the melodies as well.

The keysignature is A major

Some modualtion to E major nd B major

Cadences and pedal notes help to reaffirm the key of the piece.

Cadences tend to be perfect with a plagal cadence at the end establishing this as a religious piece of music.

A range of textures used.

Monophonic (single line) Bar 11

Homophonic four part writing Bar 33

Imitation Bar 17

Two ideas together (counterpoint) Bar 110

Doubling parts (Bar 51)

unison plagal cadence at the end.

Dynamics are terraced. This is a common feature of the Baroque period.

They are either loud or soft with no gradual changes.

The lively tempo reflects the joy of the birth of Christ.

Marked Allegro

Dotted rhythms also reflect the lively and joyful nature of the piece. (shall be revealed in particular)

Music has one mood or affection

Major and minor keys with modulation to relative keys.

Use of basso continuo and the presence of the harpsichord

Different musical textures such as monophonic, homophonic and polyphonic.

Counterpoint is the successful and artistic combination of melodies which compliment eachother.

Introduction of timpani, horns and trumpets into the orchestra

Terrassed dynamics