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Lesson Objectives:
To understand the difference between syllabic and melismatic word setting and what is meant by word painting
To understand what dissonant and consonant intervals are
To identify the chords that ‘fit’ with the ground bass
To analyse the opening A section
To choose a performance or composition task
Syllabic and Melismatic word setting
Syllabic and Melismatic word setting
Word Painting
Word Painting
We could also say that when Purcell sets the word ‘wondering’ melismatically he is also making use of word painting.
The music conveys the sound of someone ‘wondering’ about something – imagining something!
‘Music For a While’ is full of wonderful word painting. Another example is on the repeated word ‘eased’. Purcell literally eases the pain by moving from a dissonant to a consonant interval
Dissonant and Consonant Intervals
Dissonant and Consonant Intervals
If you play each of the intervals you will hear how the dissonant intervals ‘clash’ and the consonant ‘work together’
When you move from a dissonant interval to a consonant one you says it resolves. A bit like resolving an argument between two people, only it’s two notes here!!
Word Setting – Composers Intention
Word Setting – Composers Intention
When John Drydan (the poet) gave Purcell the poem he had to decide how to set the words. Here are some of the decisions he made……………………..
Review Questions:
Review Questions:
1) Give two examples of the use of melisma and two examples of syllabic word setting between bars 4—15
2) Identify two examples of word painting in the first A section
3) Give an example of a dissonant interval and a consonant interval
4) Give an example of how Purcell puts stress on certain words
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