Bach's B Minor Mass

Paper Summary:

The paper asserts that the "Mass in B Minor" not only sums up Bach's own eclectic style, but also sums up the styles of previous periods as well. This paper first addresses some of the historical aspects surrounding the Mass. It then discusses controversial theories regarding Bach's purpose in writing such a work and finally acknowledges a small variety of those styles, i.e., stile antico, galant, that Bach assimilated into this monumental work.

From the Paper:

"Throughout the Mass in B minor there are three clearly distinct styles of Baroque vocal writing that can be heard influencing this quite eclectic work. The first is the traditional stile antico or "church style," the somewhat plain and simple manner inherited from the Renaissance (prima practica). In this musical style the notation employs long note values, dissonance and melodic ornamentation are used cautiously, and the instruments are used primarily to double the choral parts. In contrast, the vibrant, sometimes harsh Baroque style displays an often lively rhythm, brilliant orchestration, expressive dissonance, and melodic lines that are highly ornamented. The third and final type is that of the arias and duets, derived predominately from the virtuosic solo writing of the opera and cantata."

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