Stick Time: Text vs. Musical Line

Today, let’s consider how manner in which text is set affects performance.

 

Mini history lesson.  One of the ways in which the upheaval of the Reformation affected music is the how texts were set.  There was at that time a movement against florid polyphony, or as Thomas Cranmer said, “the song that shall be set thereto would not be full of notes, but as near as may be, for every syllable note.”  Thus, we end up with a great many works throughout history that have just that: one note per syllable.

 

What’s problem?  Well, that sort of text setting can result in a very choppy sound as singers clip their articulation of the line to communicate the text, eliminating the beauty of the musical line in favor of the words.

 

Of course, the challenge is to establish a balance between the declamation of the text and the singing of a musical line.  We have all experienced works where the words get in the way of the singing and vice-versa.  Our job as conductors is to structure the preparation of the choir in order to achieve that delicate balance.

 

In the accompanying performance, the work is set – for the most part – with one syllable per note.  Listen carefully – don't watch, listen –  to isolate the balance between text and musical line.  Where does it work effectively?  Are there moments where the balance is lost?  Theorize as to what our colleague did in preparation for this concert to prevent the choppiness inherent in such settings.