In this study of vocal chamber duets the various approaches used in duet writing from the late sixteenth century through the nineteenth are examined. Various meanings attributed to the terms "vocal duet" and "chamber duet" are considered, and an appropriate delineation of the genre is determined. The study begins with examination of bicinia, dialogues, and concertato madrigals of the late sixteenth century, three kinds of works related to the continuing lines of interest in duets of later centuries: pedagogical duets, dialogue duets, and duets shaped by general musical trends. After a foundation has been laid in the sixteenth century, examples …
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In this study of vocal chamber duets the various approaches used in duet writing from the late sixteenth century through the nineteenth are examined. Various meanings attributed to the terms "vocal duet" and "chamber duet" are considered, and an appropriate delineation of the genre is determined. The study begins with examination of bicinia, dialogues, and concertato madrigals of the late sixteenth century, three kinds of works related to the continuing lines of interest in duets of later centuries: pedagogical duets, dialogue duets, and duets shaped by general musical trends. After a foundation has been laid in the sixteenth century, examples of duets of various kinds for the next three centuries are considered. It is seen that a discontinuity in the history of the vocal chamber duet occurs during the Classical period. Operatic and chamber duets prior to this time show great similarities in style. Operatic and chamber duets of the nineteenth century show distinct differences in style. At the same time that differences between operatic and chamber duets were increased, the differences between solo and duet chamber works by the same composer were decreased.
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