melody
based on 4 main melodic ideas:
idea 1) based on triad of A major and is syllabic
idea 2) mellismatic descending sequence
idea 3) repetition
idea 4) repeated notes of long duration
rhythm
-“driving”, regular on beat crotchet rhythms
– hemiola (notes grouped in 2 beats)
harmony
-clear major harmonies to match joyful words
– perfect cadences (V-I)
-ends on plagal cadence (IV-I)
texture
– alternating homophonic and polyphonic sections
– inverted counterpoint
– ends in chordal homophony
tonality
a major
dynamics
range from mf-f
terraced dynamics
tempo
allegro (lively and fast)
instrumentation
*4 voices: alto tenor soprano bass
*cello + organ = basso continuo
*later added oboes and bassoons to double string parts and, in places, the voice part
word painting
“lord” – highest note