Religious Vocal Genres of the Baroque

Front

A piece of religious music for a choir, solo voices, and orchestra, including a narrator, performed without acting, costumes, or sets, based on a dramatic story from the Bible.

Back

What is an oratorio?

Front

Recitatives, arias, choruses, and instrumental passages.

Back

What are the elements found in an oratorio?

Front

No, it is not part of a church service.

Back

Is an oratorio part of a church service?

Front

'The Messiah' by Georg Friedrich Handel.

Back

What is one of the most famous oratorios and who composed it?

Front

A musical piece similar to the oratorio, based on Christ's passion, including the events of his last days, and part of church services for Holy Week.

Back

What is the Passion in music?

Front

Johann Sebastian Bach.

Back

Who composed several Passions?

Front

Musical pieces similar to oratorios but much shorter, part of Protestant church services.

Back

What are Church Cantatas?

Front

Cantatas similar to religious ones but with non-religious texts.

Back

What are secular cantatas?

Front

Songs for a mixed four voice choir accompanied by the organ, sung during Protestant church services.

Back

What are chorals?

Front

The congregation.

Back

Who often sang along with the choir during choral performances?