Runs

Definition

In the context of music, runs refer to rapid sequences of notes that are played or sung in a fluid and often ornamented manner. They serve to embellish a melody, creating excitement and showcasing a performer's technical skill. Runs are integral to the development of monody and the bel canto style, which emphasize expressive vocal lines and virtuosity in singing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Runs became popular during the late 16th century and continued to evolve through the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting the growing emphasis on virtuosic singing.
2. In monody, runs were often used to convey emotional depth and showcase the singer's skill, making performances more engaging.
3. Bel canto singers frequently employed runs to enhance their interpretations of operatic arias, contributing to the overall expressiveness of the performance.
4. The use of runs in music often includes intricate patterns and can vary in speed, allowing performers to create unique interpretations.
5. Composers during this time began to write specific indications for runs in their scores, demonstrating their importance in vocal technique.

Review Questions

• How do runs enhance the expressiveness of monody in vocal performances?
  • Runs enhance expressiveness in monody by adding dynamic ornamentation to the melodic line. This embellishment allows singers to convey emotions more vividly and engage listeners through intricate patterns and swift note sequences. The incorporation of runs also showcases the singer's technical abilities, making the performance not just a delivery of text but an artful expression of musical ideas.
• Evaluate the role of runs in the development of the bel canto style during the late 17th century.
  • Runs played a critical role in shaping the bel canto style by exemplifying the ideal of beautiful singing through their fluidity and technical challenge. As bel canto emerged, composers encouraged singers to explore greater vocal agility and expressiveness, leading to elaborate runs that became essential features in operatic arias. This focus on technical prowess allowed singers to captivate audiences and elevate their performances to new artistic heights.
• Assess how the evolution of runs reflects broader changes in musical aesthetics from monody to bel canto.
  • The evolution of runs from the simplicity of early monody to the complexity found in bel canto illustrates a shift towards greater emphasis on individual expression and technical skill in music. As composers sought more expressive vocal lines, they integrated elaborate runs as key elements that enhanced emotional depth. This transformation mirrors broader aesthetic trends of the period that valued virtuosity and emotive performance, reshaping how music was composed and experienced.

Related terms

Ornamentation: The decoration of a melody by adding extra notes or embellishments, enhancing expressiveness and complexity.

Monody:

A style of music characterized by a single melodic line with instrumental accompaniment, highlighting the importance of vocal expression.

Bel Canto: An Italian term meaning 'beautiful singing,' representing a vocal style that emphasizes smooth, lyrical lines and technical prowess.