Observation

This question was popular among the candidates and most of the candidates performed above average. This was due to adequate preparation for the examination by the candidates. They responded thus:

1. Features of

   1. Aria:
      • A solo voice with accompaniment (Piano or Orchestra).
      • It is used in opera and oratorio.
      • It expresses an emotional state.
      • It has a definite beginning with a climax.
      • It is usually in ABA or Da Capo form.
      • It gives performers the opportunity to show off their virtuosity.
      • It is used prominently during the Baroque period.

   2. Recitative:

      • From a word meaning ‘to recite’.
      • The singer is accompanied by few supporting chords.
      • The singer sings a song that expresses his/her feelings.
      • It is sung quickly as if it is lively spoken.
      • It is essentially performed ad libitum.
      • It is used for dialogue and narratives in Operas and Oratorios.
      • It is used prominently during the Baroque period.

   3. Melisma:

      • Singing of a single syllable of text to several notes in succession.
      • Mostly found in arias, recitatives and choruses.
      • Requires appropriate breath control in its performance.

   4. Word Painting:

      • Also known as tone painting or text painting.
      • It is a musical technique of writing music that reflects the literal meaning of a song e.g ascending scales.        
      • It was prominent during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
      • It is a musical representation of poetic images.
      • It is expressed in a moderate, balanced way with no extreme contrast.



2. Vocal forms of Western music

   Hymn, Cantata, Opera, Motet, Anthem, Introit, Mass, Ode, Lied, Art Song, Passion, Chorale and Oratorio.