Words and Music

Synopsis: Examines some of the issues raised when a composer sets words to music, looking at the way a composer balances the words, which need to be heard and understood, with the music, which needs to make sense on its own terms. Uses four extracts from Purcell’s opera ‘Dido and Aeneas’ to introduce the musical language devised by composers of opera. Two songs illustrate recitative and aria, which are sometimes seen as opposite poles of word setting, but the third extract, ‘Ah! Belinda’, shows that they are more often a process of give and take. A duet shows what happens when more than one person is singing at a time and highlights the composer’s use of the elements of music in striving to promote the meaning of the words.
Series: Understanding Music: Elements, Techniques and Styles, Course A214
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 24 min.
Year of production: 1994
Availability: Off-air recording licence
Sale; 1998 sale: £145.00 (+VAT +p&p)
Subjects: Music
Keywords: composers (music); opera; Purcell, Henry (1659-1695)

Producer

Mags Noble

Cast

Pat Howard

Name: Open University Worldwide
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