AOS1 And The Glory Of The Lord - Handel - 1741

Metre

3/4 simple triple

Rhythm

• Hemiola
• Longer notes for 'for the mouth of the lord'
• Crotchet movement throughout cadences

Tempo

Allegro (fast)

Dynamics

• Terrassed dynamics - early instruments couldn't crescendo/diminuendo
• Silence followed by cadence at end

Accompaniment/Instrumentation

• Strings double voices - string orchestra, with some independent
• Voices - soprano, alto, tenor and bass
• Continuo instruments - cello, harpsichord, organ - to fill out harmonies
• Double basses double cello an octave lower

Texture

Lots of homonphonic and polyphonic (contropontal), with some monophony.

Harmony and Tonality

• A major to E major then B major
• Plagal and perfect cadences
• Mainly root position triad
• Diatonic

Melody

4 main melodic ideas:

• Idea 1 - Syllabic, 1st three notes = A major triad
• Idea 2 - Descending sequence, melosamatic
• Idea 3 - Repition, syllabic
• Idea 4 - Use of long notes, mostly at the same pitch - helps to emphasise the words.

Form/Structure

• Chorus from oratorio
• Structured around the entry of the 4 melodies (motives)