Oratorio

Throughout the eighteenth century and well into the nineteenth it was standard performance practice for the trill to be begun on note above the written note and rapidly move between the two pitches.

This recording provides example of a common format used within eighteenth century oratorio. Duo soloists would commonly introduce text, and the choir would then enter and often restate this same text.

A melisma is a series of notes set to a single syllable of text.

Da Capo, or "from the beginning", is a musical form that involves a return to the beginning of a section of music. In vocal music, the return is generally ornamented in some way. In this excerpt, the opening of the aria is heard followed by the end of the second section's transition to the return of the opening material after the da capo. The return is ornamented.

An arioso is a style of delivery in singing that is more melodic than a recitative while being less formally structured than an aria.

Recitativo accompagnato (accompanied recitative) involves the orchestra as a means of accompanying a vocal line in eighteenth-century large scale vocal works, both sacred and secular. It is often characterized as emotional in quality and songlike with wide vocal leaps and extended high or low notes. This musical feature is often employed to emphasize important dramatic moments.

Secco recitativo (“dry” recitative) is a means of accompanying a vocal line in eighteenth century large scale vocal works, both sacred and secular, utilizing only continuo, the group of instruments that plays the basso continuo part, usually cello and harpsichord. It is often characterized as chordal, simple, and encompassing a small range. Sometimes referred to as "recitativo semplice" (simple recitative), it is typically sung in rhythm dictated by linguistic accents.

Sound recording of a soprano performing free rhythm recitative with basso continuo accompaniment. Secco Recitative is a declamatory style of recitative found commonly throughout the baroque and classical periods of western music.

Sound recording of a tenor soloist, accompanied by orchestra, singing an elaborate vocal passage. The term "coloratura" specifically refers to a complex melody with runs, trills, wide leaps, or similar virtuosic material. This musical feature is particularly associated with vocal music in the 18th and 19th centuries.