VM 1 - Purcell: Music for a While - Flashcards

Front

Who composed "Music for a While" and when?

Back

Henry Purcell, composed around 1692.

Front

What type of music is "Music for a While"?

Back

Incidental vocal music written for a play, featuring solo voice with continuo accompaniment.

Front

What was the play "Music for a While" was written for?

Back

*Oedipus*, a play by John Dryden and Nathaniel Lee.

Front

What is the theme of "Music for a While"?

Back

The power of music to calm and soothe, including calming Alecto, a fury with snakes for hair.

Front

What instruments are used in "Music for a While"?

Back

Solo voice, bass viol, and harpsichord (continuo).

Front

Was the voice type specified by Purcell?

Back

No, but it was likely sung by a tenor or countertenor. The Anthology uses a soprano.

Front

What is the role of the right hand of the harpsichord?

Back

It provides an elaborate realisation of the implied harmonies.

Front

What structural device is the piece based on?

Back

A ground bass (a repeating bass pattern).

Front

How long is the ground bass and how many times is it heard?

Back

3 bars long; heard 12 times with variations.

Front

What is the overall structure of the song?

Back

Ternary form: A (A minor), B (modulates), A' (returns to A minor with ornamentation).