plainchant
Unaccompanied melody set to the Latin words of the Roman Catholic liturgy. Modal with no regular metre.
mode /modal
Usually refers to any of the early scales e.g.Dorian mode (white notes D to D on a keyboard).
recitative
A type of vocal writing where the music follows the rhythm of speech.
da capo aria
An aria in ternary form used in opera and oratorio. The 3rd section is not written out and is often ornamented.
obbligato
A prominent solo instrument part in a piece of vocal music.
oratorio
Usually a story from the bible set to music for solo singers, chorus and orchestra. A large scale work without acting or stage design.
mass
A large scale, sacred work sung in Latin for solo singers, chorus and orchestra.
lied
German song for voice and piano in which both parts are important. Romantic.
through-composed
A vocal piece in which there is little or no repetition of the music.
coloratura
High, florid singing.