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Classical Music Lyrics 19 February 2007 Tonya L Thompson
If you are searching for Classical music lyrics, the Internet is one of your best resources to locate titles quickly and easily. Listed below are some of the best sites for finding libretto, as well as other vocal texts: Composer List of Libretti OperaGlass Online Opera Scores Prototype
You will find that during the four most prominent periods of Classical music – namely the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern Eras – vocal music and lyrics underwent many key changes, with each era having its own identifying lyrical trends. The Baroque Era of music, from roughly 1600 to 1750, was named after the ornate architectural style of the time. As is often the case, the style of music reflected the art that was most popular: complex, elaborate works full of detail, order and sophistication. Lyrical traditions were varied by location; while Italy and France produced some of the most beloved operas of all time, England focused on inventing music forms for the theatre, such as the Masque. Vocal Chamber Music was also remarkably popular, including both solo performances and Chamber Cantatas. The Classical Era of music, from roughly 1750 to 1825, was during one of the most turbulent periods of history. Both the American Revolution and the French Revolution occurred during this time, and much of the political fervor surrounding these events is reflected in the concurrent music. Secular vocal music was becoming more mainstream than sacred music, as the popularity of the Oratorio (a form of sacred music that basically ended with Handel) faded. The Romantic Era of music, from roughly 1820 to 1900, was epitomised by Beethoven’s later works. No longer were the concepts of order and sacredness at the forefront; humanity’s passion and emotion were now taking centre stage. Although opera and choral music were still being written and performed, it was the Art song that became most popular during this time. In the Art song, the lyrics were just as important as the accompanying music, a concept that was unthinkable in earlier eras. Writers and composers focused on the poetic quality of the words, and in some cases, an entire group of poems written by a certain author would be set to music. This was referred to as a Song Cycle. The Modern Era of music, from roughly 1900 to the present day, is difficult to describe in that it has no identifiable pattern other than that which does not follow any specific style or trend. With advancements in technology, music of this era has stretched boundaries with new ideas and sounds. Vocal arrangements are often abstract (similar to the music itself) or often draw upon earlier sounds at will, in a mixture of free interpretation and homage to composers of the past.
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