Renaissance and Baroque Vocal Music Forms Explained

Vocal Forms in Renaissance and Baroque Music

Motet: "O vos omnes" by Tomás Luis de Victoria

What is a Motet?

A motet is a polyphonic vocal composition with a religious theme, usually in Latin, and distinct from a mass.

Mysticism in 16th-17th Century Spain

Mysticism was very important in Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries. Mystics are religious individuals who, through sacrifice, fasting, and similar practices, seek to achieve union with God in this life.

Madrigal: "Ahimè, dov'è 'l bel viso" by Arcadelt

Defining the Renaissance Madrigal

A madrigal is a polyphonic, profane vocal form, typically performed a cappella in the 16th century. It was the most characteristic song type of the Renaissance court.

The Ideal of the Courtier

Imagine four cultured Renaissance courtiers singing this piece. While singing, they appear to yield to one another, each seamlessly blending their role. The result is pleasing elegance.

Madrigal: "Hor che'l ciel e la terra" by Monteverdi

Baroque Madrigal: Monteverdi's Innovation

In the 17th century (Baroque era), the madrigal evolved to feature dramatic contrasts and was often accompanied by instruments. The text for this piece is a sonnet by Petrarch. There is a moment that evokes laughter. The earlier ideals of elegance and restraint had shifted towards the free expression of feelings.

Recitative: "Dido and Aeneas" by Henry Purcell

Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" Recitative

This is a recitative featuring a soprano, accompanied by a keyboard and a cello. It exemplifies a "call and response" recitative, typical of opera seria with basso continuo accompaniment. This particular aria is built on a ground bass (low ostinato), where the accompaniment repeats throughout. While Italian opera triumphed across Europe, it did not gain the same popularity in England, often perceived as unnatural.

Duet: "Tanti strali"

Handel's Cantata: A Miniature Opera

A cantata, such as those by Handel, is like a miniature opera that can be performed at home. It requires few interpreters, no props, and typically only two or three instruments instead of a full orchestra, often lasting around 15 minutes. The solo singer expresses feelings freely over a solid basso continuo foundation. Sometimes, another singer joins to form a duo.

Recitative: "La Serva Padrona" by Pergolesi

Pergolesi's "La Serva Padrona" Recitative

This is a recitative, which typically leads into the next aria. This particular aria is characterized by a catchy and comic chorus, typical of the new comic opera style. Recitatives in operas serve for explanatory dialogues that do not require full musical setting. This piece features a soprano and a contralto.

Oratorio: "Messiah" by Handel

Defining the Oratorio: Handel's "Messiah"

An oratorio is a large-scale musical work that is almost identical to an opera in structure, featuring an instrumental overture, recitatives, arias, choruses, duets, and more. It involves many instruments and voices. While often based on religious themes, it is not liturgical music and is intended for performance in a concert hall or opera house, not a church.