the baroque period I: concerto, fugue, and opera | ch. 1-11 | pg. 118-151
baroque music (1600-1750)
two giants of baroque composition
johann sebastian bach
george frideric handel
monteverdi
unprecedented passion and dramatic works
stress of drama and text
melodic lines imitated rhythms and inflections of speech
early baroque composers
homophonic texture > polyphonic texture
words could be projected more clearly through one melody with chordal accompaniment
new emphasis on homophonic texture = early baroque
polyphonic texture returns to favor = late baroque
unity of mood
affections = emotional states such as joy, grief, and agitation represented through music
rhythm
continuity of rhythm allows for unity of mood
provides compelling drive and energy
the beat is emphasized far more in baroque music than renaissance music
melody
also stresses continuity
opening melody will be heard over and over
symmetry and balance through successive repetition of baroque melodies
dynamics
continuity of rhythm and melody
level of volume tends to stay fairly constant for a stretch of time
when dynamics shift, and shift is sudden (stepping form one level ot another)
terraced dynamics
alternation between loud and soft
gradual changes through crescendo and decrescendo are not prominent features of baroque.
texture
chords and the basso continuo
vocal music
the baroque orchestra
baroque forms