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◆Mass A vocal work based on the Roman Catholic mass. The five pas-
sages of the mass that are frequently set for choir or for choir and vocal
soloists include the Kyrie(“Lord have mercy”), Gloria in excelsis Deo
(“Glory be to God on high”), Credo(“I believe”), Sanctus(“Holy, holy”),
and Agnus Dei(“O Lamb of God”).
◆Minuet A minuet is a French dance in triple time (3/4, 3/8, 6/8, and so
forth).
◆Motet The motet is a short unaccompanied choral work, popular from
the thirteenth through the sixteenth centuries. The early motet was exclu-
sively a sacred form, based on pre-existing melodies; other words and
melodies were added in counterpoint.
◆Opera An opera is a long, complex dramatic work, incorporating both
voices and instruments. You can think of an opera as the classical equiva-
lent of today’s popular musicals, mixing music with a dramatic plot.
◆Operetta Literally, a “little opera.” More commonly, a shorter or less
ambitious stage work than a full-blown opera, typically with just a single act.
◆Oratorio A dramatic musical setting of a religious libretto, for solo
singers, choir, and orchestra. An oratorio is like a non-secular opera, but
without the scenery or costumes; oratorios are typically performed in con-
cert halls or churches.
◆Plainsong Plainsong, also known as plainchant, is chant comprised of a
single line of vocal melody, typically unaccompanied and performed in the
free rhythm of the spoken word. The form matured during the sixth cen-
tury, at the request of Pope Gregory I, and was subsequently known as
Gregorian chant.
◆Programme music Programme music is instrumental music that tells a
story, illustrates a literary idea, or evolves a pictorial scene.
◆Sonata A sonata is a piece of instrumental music, performed in several
distinct sections (called movements). Sonatas typically are written for a
soloist and small ensemble.
◆Song A song, in classical music, is a short and self-contained piece for
one or more voices; it can be accompanied or not, and either sacred or
secular in nature. In popular music, however, just about any musical com-
position (vocal or instrumental) is called a song.
◆String quartet The string quartet is a particular form of chamber music
written for two violins, viola, and cello. In terms of importance, the string
quartet is to chamber music as the symphony is to orchestral music.
◆Suite A suite is an ordered set of instrumental pieces meant to be per-
formed at a single sitting.
◆Symphony A symphony is an extended work for orchestra, typically in
three or four distinct movements. The symphony is generally regarded as
the central form of orchestral composition—this is the big dog of classical
instrumental music.