Who Was Henry Purcell?
He is considered one of Britain’s greatest composers
He lived from 1659 – 1695 (they didn’t live very long in those days!)
He was one of the most important composer from the Baroque period (other composers from that period include Bach and Handel)
Charles II was king of England then during a period known as the Restoration, when there was a new enthusiasm for music, which Purcell benefited from
Background To Music For A While
'Music For a While’ was written in 1692 and is one of many songs composed by Purcell. It is a lament – a song which is sad and melancholic
It is from a group of 4 songs, which were part of the incidental music for a play by the poet, John Dryden
The play was called Oedipus and is based on a Greek legend about a king who accidently……
Kills his father!
Marries his mother!!
Gauges his eyes out!!!
Finally kills himself!!!!
The song is sung in the play to a Furie (a bit like a witch) called Alecto
Alecto has snakes instead of hair and blood dripping from her eyes!
What is it composed for?
‘Music For a While’ was originally composed for a countertenor – a very high male voice, singing in a range that is usually sung by a women’s voice.
In your GCSE recording it is sung by a soprano instead
The voice is accompanied by a basso continuo made up of a harpsichord and a bass viol
Harpsichord
The harpsichord came before the piano . The main difference is that the strings are plucked instead of hit. It can not change dynamic.
Bass Viol
The bass viol is a stringed instrument a little like a cello but with six strings not 4. There is also no spike to put in the floor and is held between the knees.
The basso continuo was a feature of the Baroque period and is present in most pieces playing continually – hence the name continuo!
Music For A While - Lyrics
Whenever we are looking at music with words, it’s important to take a little time to read through the lyrics and think what might have been going through Purcell’s mind when John Dryden first gave him the poem…………
Music for a while
Shall all your cares beguile
Wondering how your pains were eased
And disdaining to be pleased
Till Alecto free the dead
From their eternal bands
Till the snakes drop from her head
And the whip from her hands
Review Questions:
1) Which country was Purcell from?
2) ‘Music For a While’ was composed during which musical period?
3) Which century was ‘Music For a While’ composed in?
4) Who wrote the words for ‘Music For a While’
5) Which two instruments play in ‘Music For a While’?
6) What were these two instruments together called?
7) What type of voice was the song originally composed for and which voice is heard on your GCSE set work?