This course covers the area of vocal music. Included in this course is an in-depth study of Henry Purcell's "Music for a While" and Queen's "Killer Queen" from the "Sheer Heart Attack" album.
Many of the terms used to describe vocal music have their origins in Italian opera. Ostinato, Appoggiatura and Tierce de Piccardie are examples of this trend. Other terms may be more familiar to you - riff, bridge and cadence, for instance.
Henry Purcell was a composer in the Baroque style. He is buried in Westminister Abbey, right next to the organ he played while living. Purcell excelled in a field where most recognised composers were from mainland Europe.
Music for a While was written by Henry Purcell in 1692 and is the second of four movements from the music to the play Oedipus by John Dryden and Nathaniel Lee. Oedipus is based on the story of the Greek king who was a victim of prophecy.
Queen formed in 1970. Lead singer Freddie mercury suggested the name as a nod to both gay culture and a higher standard of music. Over the years, Queen experimented with multiple genres including rock, jazz and opera.
Killer Queen was the song that broke the band into the big-time. It is the first Queen song where the lyrics were completed before the music. As a result, the music is structured around the words, which are center-stage.
Time to think about what we've learned. Here is a short quiz to test your knowledge of vocal music and the music of rock legends, Queen. Aim for a score of 80% or higher.
Now that you're comfortable in the presence of great music, here are some more great creators we suggest you take the time to enjoy. What do Bach and the Beach Boys have in common? They all made great music!
