baroque

Unity of Mood

A Baroque principle where a piece expresses one emotional state throughout.

Affections

Baroque term for emotional states such as joy or sorrow represented musically.

Terraced Dynamics

Sudden shifts between loud and soft volumes without gradual changes.

Clavichord

A quiet Baroque keyboard instrument producing sound via brass blades striking strings.

Polyphonic Texture

Late Baroque style characterized by multiple independent melodic lines.

Homophonic Texture

Early Baroque style with one melody accompanied by chords.

Movement

A self-contained section of a larger work, such as a concerto movement.

Basso Continuo

A continuous bass line typically played by harpsichord alongside cello or bassoon.

Figured Bass

A bassline with numbers that indicate chords for improvisation.

Concerto Grosso

A musical form featuring a small solo group (concertino) contrasted with a full orchestra (tutti).

Tutti

The full orchestra in a concerto grosso.

Ritornello Form

A musical structure where a main theme alternates with solo sections.

Ritornello

The recurring orchestral theme in ritornello form.

Sequential Repetition

A melodic idea that is repeated at higher or lower pitches.

Improvisation

A practice expected in figured bass performance, particularly during ornamentation.

Word Painting

A compositional device where music reflects the meaning of the text.

Patronage System

The system in which composers were employed by aristocracy or the church.

Court Musician Duties

Responsibilities that include composing, performing, teaching, and maintaining instruments.

Collegium Musicum

University music societies formed to include both amateur and professional players.

J.S. Bach

A Baroque composer renowned for his mastery of fugues, concertos, and church music.

Brandenburg Concertos

A set of 6 concerti grossi composed by Bach that showcase a variety of instruments.

Antonio Vivaldi

An Italian composer best known for his programmatic concertos, such as 'Four Seasons'.

Arcangelo Corelli

A pivotal composer in the development of the trio sonata and concerto grosso.

Baroque Orchestra

An orchestra typically consisting of 10 to 40 players, mainly strings and continuo, with flexibility in winds and brass.

Concertino

A small group of solo instruments within a larger ensemble, often featured in concertos.