The Baroque Concerto

A concerto is a musical work composed for one or more solo instruments, supported by an orchestra that provides harmonic texture and foundation. The Baroque period (1600 -1750) established the foundations of the modern orchestra, initially centered around string instruments like violins, with woodwinds and brass added as the form evolved. Key composers of this era include Arcangelo Corelli, Antonio Vivaldi, and Johann Sebastian Bach.

Principal Types of Concerto

  • The Solo Concerto: Features a single solo instrument (e.g., violin or oboe) accompanied by an orchestra.

  • The Concerto Grosso: Features a small group of soloists, known as the Concertino, contrasted with a larger ensemble called the Ripieno. The standard Concertino often consists of two violins and a cello.

Basso Continuo and Key Vocabulary

  • Basso Continuo: The essential bass accompaniment of the Baroque era. It provides the harmonic foundation and is typically performed by a keyboard instrument (harpsichord or organ) and a bass instrument (cello or bassoon).

  • Homophonic Texture: A texture where parts move together in harmony, generally sharing the same rhythm.

  • Polyphonic/Contrapuntal Texture: Independent melodic lines played simultaneously, creating a complex, interweaving sound.

  • Harpsichord: A keyboard instrument that produces sound by plucking strings, resulting in short, detached notes that cannot be sustained.

Typical Features of the Baroque Concerto

  • Prominent use of basso continuo, especially with the harpsichord.

  • Small orchestra primarily of strings, sometimes adding recorders, horns, trumpets, or oboes.

  • Frequent imitation and conversational dialogue between instruments.

  • Predominance of contrapuntal and polyphonic textures.

  • Alternation between "tutti" (orchestra) and "solo" sections for variety.

  • Virtuosic solo passages emphasizing technical skill.

  • Terraced dynamics: sudden volume shifts without gradual crescendos or decrescendos.

  • Simple harmony for clarity.

  • Use of clear cadences

  • Balanced and symmetrical phrases.

  • Ornamented melodies, frequently using trills.

Structure of the Concerto Grosso

  • Three Movements: Typically follows a Fast-Slow-Fast structure.

  • Ritornello Form: Commonly used in the first movement. The Ritornello (recurring theme) is played by the full orchestra (Ripieno), alternating with Episodes played by the soloists (Concertino).

Ornaments in Music

Ornament

Description

Musical Effect

Trill

Rapid alternation between the main note and the note above it.

Adds brilliance and sustain to a melodic line.

Turn

A four-note pattern: the note above, main note, note below, and back to the main note.

Creates a graceful, circular melodic curve.

Mordent

A rapid switch from the main note to the note above or below and back.

Provides a sharp, decorative rhythmic accent.

Appoggiatura

A "leaning" grace note that delays the main note, taking half its time value.

Adds expressive tension and harmonic weight.

Acciaccatura

A very short "crushed" note played instantly before the main note.

Adds a quick, rhythmic flick to the melody.

Compositional Techniques: Extending a Melody

  • Sequence: Repeating a melodic motif at a higher or lower pitch level.

  • Inversion: Flipping a melody vertically (e.g., an interval up becomes an interval down).

  • Augmentation: Increasing the duration of note values to stretch the melody.

  • Diminution: Decreasing the duration of note values to speed up the rhythm.

  • Passing Notes: Notes placed in between melodic leaps to create a smoother, stepwise motion.