a multimovement composition for voices and instrumental accompaniment; smaller in scale than the oratorio
etching
a kind of engraving in which a metal plate is covered with resin, then incised with a burin; acid is applied to "eat" away the exposed lines, which are inked before the plate is wiped clean and printed; see Figure 22.5
figured bass
in baroque music, the line of music with numbers written below (or above) it to indicate the required harmonies, usually improvised in the form of keyboard chords accompanying the melody; also called "continuo"
homophony
a musical texture consisting of a dominant melody supported by chordal accompaniment that is far less important than the melody; compare polyphony (see Glossary, chapter 13)
impasto
a style in painting in which the paint is applied thickly or heavily
oratorio (Latin, oratorium - "church chapel")
a musical setting of a long text, either religious or secular, for soloists, chorus, narrator, and orchestra; usually performed without scenery, costumes, or dramatic action
prelude
a piece of instrumental music that introduces either a church service or another piece of music
