Terms and Definitions – March 8
Chapter 10
genre – term used to describe categories of compositions which are determined by type of
ensemble, musical style and, to a certain extent, the location of the performance
OPERA
opera seria – a genre of opera written on serious historical or mythical subjects
opera buffa – (“comic opera”) an opera on a light, often domestic subject, with tuneful
melodies, comic situations, and a happy ending
vocal ensemble – in opera, a group of four or more solo singers, usually the principle characters
Mozart, Don Giovanni (1787), K.527
Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte
plot – a rich nobleman (whose pleasure is the pursuit of women) attempts in disguise to seduce
the daughter of a neighbour; he fails, but is forced to duel with her father and kills him; the
daughter vows that she will find the guilty man; when she discovers his identity she tries to
unmask him, but revenge is taken out of her hands by her father’s ghost
Don Giovanni – a nobleman and womanizer
Leporello – Don Giovanni’s servant
Commandant – Don Giovanni’s neighbour
Donna Anna – the Commandant’s daughter
Zerlina – a peasant girl
Act 1, Scene 1 , “Notte e giorno faticar” (LG 220; CD 2/13)
patter song – a song whose text, usually humourous, is sung very rapidly
tremolo – the quick and continuous reiteration of a single pitch (can also refer to a rapid
alternation between two pitches of a chord)
Act 1, Scene 7 Recitative and Duet “Là ci darem la mano” (LG 223; CD 2/14)
secco recitative – dry recitative accompanied only by the harpsichord
Form of the duet: A B A' B' C
Chapter 11
SYMPHONY
symphony – a composition for orchestra consisting of several related movements, at least one of
which makes use of sonata-allegro form
Beethoven, Symphony No. 5 in C minor (1807-8)