baroque period

baroque period dates

1600-1750

name some baroque composers

• bach

• teleman

• vivaldi

• scarlatti

• handel

• purcell

main features of baroque music

• polyphonic texture: multiple independent textures played at the same time

• use of harpsichord

• basso continuo: by harpsichord or organ

• terraced dynamics

• ornamentation

features of baroque orchestra

small orchestras

no clarinet or piano

what is sonata form

smaller group of instruments or solo

consists of:

1. exposition

   • 1st subject in tonic key

   • bridge passage

   • 2nd subject in dominant key or relative major

2. development

   • several modulations

3. recapitulation

   • 1st subject in tonic key

   • 2nd subject in tonic key

what is a ground bass

when a bass line is repeated throughout a composition

which instruments are involved in a symphony

full orchestra + no soloist

which instruments are involved in a concerto

full orchestra accompanying one soloist

which instruments are involved in a concerto grosso

main accompaniment orchestra (ripieno)

small group of soloists (concertino)

what is a recitative

opera

for small group of vocalists

spoken quickly without lots of emotion to tell a story

what is a chorus

opera

lots of people singing together

what is an oratorio

similar to opera

story based on religion

no costumes/acting/scenery

with vocals

what is ritornello form

a style of baroque music

• similar to rondo form: but in ritornello form the ritornello doesn’t have to be brought back in exactly the same key or style

• form: ABACADA etc

  • subject (ritornello) with repeating episodes

which instruments play the bass line in baroque music

cello or bassoon