Baroque Vocal Music: Opera and Religious Forms

1. The Birth of Opera

1.1 Origins in Florence

Opera emerged from Count Bardi's intellectual circle in Florence, known as the "Camerata Fiorentina." This group pioneered the concept of accompanied monody, which became the foundation of the opera genre.

1.2 Characteristics of Opera

Opera is a vocal art form that combines music, drama, and stage performance. It typically involves an orchestra, choirs, and soloists, and is structured in three main parts:

• Overture: An instrumental introduction that sets the tone for the opera.
• Sung Parts: Featuring soloists (main characters) and choirs (supporting characters). Two main singing styles are used:
  • Aria: Expressive melodies for conveying emotions and introspection.
  • Recitative: Declaimed singing for advancing the plot and dialogue.
• Interludes: Instrumental sections that connect different scenes or acts.

1.3 Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)

Monteverdi, an Italian composer, bridged the gap between the Renaissance and Baroque eras. He is considered the father of opera, with his masterpiece "L'Orfeo, favola in musica" commissioned by the Duke of Mantua.

1.4 Types of Opera

• Opera Seria: Serious operas based on mythological or heroic themes, often in Italian, and favored by the aristocracy.
• Opera Buffa: Comic operas with everyday characters and situations, more relatable to the general audience. In Spain, this style evolved into the zarzuela.

2. Religious Vocal Music in the Baroque Era

Religious music played a significant role during the Baroque period.

The Protestant church continued the tradition of chorales, while the Catholic church maintained motets and masses. However, new religious musical forms also emerged:

2.1 Cantata

Cantata, meaning "music for singing," contrasts with Sonata (instrumental music). Initially secular, it was adopted for religious purposes.

• Written for orchestra, choir, and soloists.
• Composed of recitatives and arias.
• Notable composers: Telemann and Bach. Example: "Brecht the müden Augenlider" by Telemann.

2.2 Oratorio

Oratorio is essentially an opera with a religious theme, but without staging.

• More elaborate and extensive than cantatas.
• Written for choir, orchestra, and soloists.
• Includes recitatives, arias, and a narrator who recounts stories from the Old and New Testaments.
• Notable composers: Carissimi and Handel. Example: "Oratorio de Haendel" by Handel.

2.3 Passion

Passion is a type of oratorio specifically focused on the suffering and death of Christ.

• The narrator, often called the Evangelist, recounts the events through recitatives.
• Soloists portray individual characters, while the choir represents the disciples or crowds.
• Notable composer: Bach. Example: "St. Matthew Passion" by Bach.