Cycle B: Western Classical Tradition: The Baroque Era (1600 – 1750)

Year 3

❤️ Cycle B ❤️

Genre: Western Classical Tradition

Style: The Baroque era (c. 1600–1750)

Composers:

Gregorio Allegri

Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Pachelbel

He was a Catholic (Christian) priest in Rome and loved singing. He never married or had children. He was a kind and good man who looked out for others especially the poor and people in need.

Super fact: William Shakespeare was born in 1564 (18 years before Allegri) and died in 1616.

Gregorio Allegri – ‘Miserere’ Pronounced miz-er-air-ay – this latin word means have mercy.
How many choirs or sections are there? Think about the texture created – unison parts, solo parts, harmony parts.
Why was this venue chosen for the performance?

Johann Sebastian Bach – ‘Air on the G String’
These are the original instruments played in the Baroque Era! Can you name them?
Discuss the harpsichord and lute – how do they sound. What instrument was the harpsichord replaced by?

Johann Pachelbel – ‘Canon in D Major’
Have a look at the original Baroque Era instruments. Which instruments start the ‘ground bass’ ostinato?

King’s Return – ‘Ubi Caritas‘ (2020)
These a capella vocalists were influenced by Gregorio Allegri and other Baroque composers

Procol Harum – ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’ (1967)
‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ on Italian TV. This song was heavily influenced by ‘Air on a G String’ – notice the repeating ground bass.

Lesson Resources:

https://www.classroom200.org/lesson-plans/54

❤️Find out more about Baroque Era music❤️

George Frideric Handel was an excellent composer from this time. You can explore his work here!

CBBC’s Martin Dougan on Handel’s Zadok the Priest | BBC Teach
Martin Dougan from CBBC’s Newsround highlights his passion for ‘Zadok the Priest’ by George Frideric Handel. He talks about why it is his favourite piece of classical music and why he loves music of this genre. Martin explains the historical background of ‘Zadok the Priest’ and why he feels that it is relevant to him.

George Frideric Handel’s ‘Hallelujah!’ Chorus live at the Sydney Opera House, Australia
600 singers from the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs join the Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra to perform Handel’s jubilant “Hallelujah!” chorus from the Messiah, live at the Sydney Opera House.

George Frideric Handel: Zadok the Priest | Academy of Ancient Music
From his Coronation Anthem HWV258, performed by the Academy of Ancient Music and Choir of the AAM, conducted by Music Director Richard Egarr and recorded live at Symphony Hall, Birmingham.

George Frideric Handel – ‘Water Music’ and ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks‘ (Proms 2012)
1 – Ouverture: Adagio, Allegro, Lentement, Allegro
2 – Bourrée
3 – La Paix: Largo alla siciliana
4 – La Réjouissance: Allegro
5 – Menuets I and II

Lesson Resources:

George Frideric Handel – Zadok the Priest – BBC Teach