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The Roots of Baroque Opera Claudio Monteverdi, 5th Book of Madrigals, Cruda Amarilli (1605) recorded by Concerto Italiano Monteverdi was considered a transitional figure between Renaissance and Baroque music. The madrigal was a popular form of music in the Renaissance era and highlighted moving harmonies between several voices. Compare this piece with Handel’s Messiah below. How is the voice used differently? Do you hear similarities? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKTQQ28sSNo
The Master of Oratorios George Frederic Handel, Messiah (1741), recorded by Mormon Tabernacle Choir Written over a hundred years after Monteverdi’s madrigal, the Messiah is Handel’s most famous oratorio performed across the globe each year. The “Hallelujah” chorus that you hear in this clip, is something you’ve likely heard before. Oratorios tell a story. What part of the story does this feel like? What in the music helps you know that? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI6dsMeABpU
The Baroque Orchestra This playlist features professional musicians demonstrating instruments from the Baroque era. How do these instruments sound different to you than instruments you are familiar with hearing in a modern orchestra? Do you prefer one or the other? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQC4mglx5uE&list=PLa0I2f4DpWlonE2ESxBKRg8Ft-ttK4_Eh
Male High Voices Compare and contrast these two recordings. The first is Alexander, the second is Michael. What feelings does it evoke for you when you hear a male voice singing those notes?
Michael Karow, Countertenor, Dorian Vocal Festival Grand Concert, 2006. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Kn78Fb50U
Alexander Moreschi, the last known castrato, singing “Ave Maria”, recorded in the early 20th century. How does this make you feel differently than a typical male voice? How does his countertenor voice compare to the castrato? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLjvfqnD0ws
“Va tacito,”Act 1, Sarah Connelly as Caesar, Glyndenbourne, 2018 Listen closely for the da capo aira from Act One Giulio Cesare. What aspect of Caesar do you think this aria is portraying, a more logical side of Caesar, or more passionate one? Does it feel like the Julius Caesar you imagine in your head? Why or why not? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fieBT98DCLc
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