Baroque

Describe the melody in Baroque

Even phrase lengths (2 or 4 bars), use of harmonic and melodic minor scales, not stepwise, motifs

Describe the articulation in Baroque

Heavily ornamented, slurs, trills, mordants

Describe the dynamics in Baroque music

Terraced dynamics, either forte or piano

Describe the texture in Baroque

Contrapuntal, call and response, accompanied by a harpsichord, very few parts due to lack of invention of new instruments, some homophonic passages, imitation

Describe the structure of Baroque

Ritornello (recurring theme), often virtuosic solo sections, modulations

Describe the harmony in Baroque

Some chromaticism due to virtuosity, diatonic harmony

Describe the instrumentation in Baroque

Violins, harpsichord, lute, cello, double bass, violas, timpani, occasional use of flute, basso continuo is made up of the harpsichord and cello

Describe the rhythm in Baroque music

4/4 or 2/4, very clear sense of pulse, lots of semi-quaver figuration

Describe the tempo in Baroque music

Often allegro, sometimes andante, fast-slow-fast pattern

Name a Baroque composer

Vivaldi, Handel, Bach