Voices and how words are set
- Voice types from high to low: soprano, alto (or mezzo-soprano), tenor, baritone and bass. Countertenors are men singing in the alto range.
- Syllabic setting gives one note to each syllable; melismatic setting stretches one syllable over many notes.
- Word painting is when the music shows the meaning of the words: a rising melody on "heaven", a falling one on "down", a long held note on "forever".
- Vocal techniques: vibrato, falsetto, belting, head voice and chest voice, and ornaments.
Baroque vocal music
- Baroque songs, arias and operas (1600 to 1750) were often accompanied by basso continuo: harpsichord or lute with cello or viola da gamba.
- A ground bass is a bass line that repeats again and again while the melody above changes. Purcell was a master of it.
- Recitative is sung speech that moves the story on quickly; an aria is a song that shows a character's feelings, often with repeats and decoration.
- Other features: dissonances that resolve, ornaments such as trills, and text repeated for emphasis.
Vocal music in popular styles
- In rock and pop, the lead vocal is often supported by layered backing vocals and close harmonies, sometimes multi-tracked in the studio (one singer recorded many times).
- Songs mix verse and chorus structure with sections that change the mood, key or texture.
- Listen for how the voice and the accompaniment work together: doubling the melody, answering it (call and response), or contrasting with it.
Key terms
- Syllabic
- One note for each syllable.
- Melismatic
- Several notes sung to one syllable.
- Word painting
- Music that shows the meaning of the words.
- Ground bass
- A bass line that repeats while the music above changes.
- Recitative
- Sung speech that moves the story on.
- Aria
- A song in an opera or oratorio showing a character's feelings.
- Countertenor
- A man singing in the alto range.
- Multi-tracking
- Recording a part several times and layering the takes.
Quick questions on Vocal music
- What is syllabic word setting?
- One note for each syllable: The opposite is melismatic.
- What is melismatic word setting?
- Several notes sung to one syllable: Common in Baroque arias and pop runs.
- What is word painting?
- Music that shows the meaning of the words: Such as a rising melody on "heaven".
- What is a ground bass?
- A bass line that repeats while the music above changes: Purcell often used one.
- What is recitative?
- Sung speech that moves the story on: It is quick and close to speaking.
- What is an aria?
- A song showing a character's feelings: Often with repeats and ornaments.
- What is a countertenor?
- A man singing in the alto range: Common in Baroque music.
- Which instruments play the basso continuo?
- Harpsichord or lute with cello or viola da gamba: It supports Baroque singers.