Glossary

BEL CANTO - It.  "Beautiful Singing" - smooth, fluent style of singing that shows off the singer’s voice

CASTRATI - Professional Italian male sopranos

COMÉDIES-BALLET - A combination of a comedic stage play and ballet developed by Lully and Moliere

MOTET - Polyphonic vocal piece, usually on a sacred text
 GRANDS MOTETS - motet with multiple choirs of soloists, choir,  and instrumentalists
 PETITS MOTETS - Lighter texture than GRANDS MOTETS; usually  several voices and instrument

RÉCIT -  Passages within GRANDS MOTETS for solo voice or instrument

RECITATIVE SECCO - A type of speech-song accompanied by basso continuo

RITORNELLO - Instrumental introduction or interlude in a movement

SYMPHONIES - Instrumental numbers in Lully’s tragédies lyriques; overtures, prelude and ritornelli, dramatic symphonies, and dances
 

 

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