Music History Final - Sacred Organ Music and Secular Instrumental Music

Toccatas

Virtuosic, free-form keyboard pieces emphasizing fast fingerwork

Preludes

Often introductory pieces, can be free or structured

Fugues

Highly structured compositions based on a single theme introduced and developed in multiple voices using imitation and counterpoint

Concerto Form

Composition for solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment

Ritornello Form

Main theme (ritornello) alternates with episodes featuring the soloist, popularized by Vivaldi

Solo Sonata

One melodic instrument plus basso continuo

Trio sonata

Two melodic instruments plus basso continuo (usually cello and keyboard), popular in chamber music during Baroque era

Baroque Suite de Dances

Series of stylized dances grouped together in the same key, usually solo keyboard or orchestra

Common Dances

Allemande (moderate), courante (fast), sarabande (slow), Gigue (lively)

Orchestral Suites

Extended instrumental works modeled on dance suites, entertainment or ceremonial, starts with French overture and has various dances