Handel "And the Glory of the Lord"

1600 - 1750

Emphasis on an ornamented and 'decorative' melody line.

Composers include Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and Purcell.

Fearures include:

• ornamented melodic parts
• major/minor key system replacing old systme of modes
• diatonic ('of the key') chords I, IV, V, II and VI
• 'basso continuo'. A keyboard instrument playing a chordal support of the bass line.
• different textures such as monophonic, homophonic and polyphonic
• the Baroque orchestra with new string instruments and a harpsichord playing harmonies. Trumpets, horns and timpani drums were used.
• one 'affection' or mood
• contrasting dynamics on two levels - loud and soft (terrassed dynamics)

It is an oratorio which is a musical work based on text from the Bible. 

The libretto is the words/text of an opera or an oratorio.

The libretto of Handel's Messiah is in three parts:

• Part 1 - prophecies foretelling the coming of the Lord (Old and his birth)
• Part 2 - passion music of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus (Old)
• Part 3 - Jesus' resurrection from the dead