Baroque Period (1600-1750)

Musical features

- use of basso continuo

keyboard instruments with wind/string instrument

figured bass notation on keyboard

- terraced dynamics

no crescendo or decrescendo

- repeated rhythmic patterns

forward drive and energy , motion rarely interrupted

- opening theme/ motif constantly unfolding, use of melodic sequences

- steady and consistent tempo

strong sense of pulse

- use of ornaments

notable composers

• bach

• vivaldi

• Handel

Baroque dance suite

Allamande

origin: Germany

Meter: 4 4

Tempo: Moderato

Form: Binary (AB)

begins with an upbeat, fast and flowing semiquavers

Courante

origin: Italy

Meter: 3 4

Tempo: fast

Form: Binary (AB)

continuous running notes in quick tempo

Sarabande

origin: spanish dance with Arab influence

Meter: 3 4 , 2nd beat is strongest

Tempo: Largo

Form: Binary (AB)

slow and stately with 3 beats in a bar

Emphasis falls on 2nd beat of the bar