The flute registers of the organs, the chorus of sprites.
Scarlatti's genius for melody modified the still though dramatically correct recitative, and substituted airs in its place. He introduced measured recitative for the first time, and invented the "de capo aria", his singers thus distracting attention from the important dramatic meaning. His knowledge of counterpoint aided him in the construction of the bass, and elaboration of accompaniments. He tired of the monotony of uninterrupted recitative, and organized three forms:—
1. Recitative secco for ordinary business.
2. Recitative stromentato which was accompanied and used for violent emotion, and used the "thorough bass" by the harpsichord to aid this passionate form of declamation. The sense of the verbal text was enforced by continual interposition of orchestral symphonies.
3. The aria, to which he added the "de capo"—that is, the repetition of the second part following the first.
Cavalli employed the ritornello constantly to relieve the monotony of continuous recitative, and introduced repetition in his ariettas, which was disapproved by the Florentine Caccini, who was the father of a new order of music, a style of melody which is not melody; a recitative melody, noble in character and surpassing the songs of the people, not altering the words nor depriving them of life, but augmenting them and giving them meaning and force.
Purcell had true dramatic instinct and a declamatory recitative second only to that of Wagner, and his airs show unfettered melody. The laws of his time, which he chose to disregard and modify, are interesting.
I. The number of characters was six, three women and three men.