baroque

Baroque Music Basics

1. Unity of Mood
   A Baroque principle where a piece expresses one emotional state throughout (e.g., joy or grief). [p. 122]

2. Affections
   Baroque term for emotional states (e.g., joy, sorrow) represented musically. [p. 122]

3. Terraced Dynamics
   Sudden shifts between loud and soft volumes (no gradual changes). [p. 123]

4. Clavichord
   Quiet Baroque keyboard instrument producing sound via brass blades striking strings. [p. 123]

Texture & Structure

5. Polyphonic Texture
   Late Baroque style with multiple independent melodic lines (e.g., fugues). [p. 123]

6. Homophonic Texture
   Early Baroque preference: one melody with chordal accompaniment. [p. 122]

7. Movement
   A self-contained section of a larger work (e.g., a concerto movement). [p. 125]

8. Basso Continuo
   Continuous bass line played by harpsichord + cello/bassoon. [p. 124]

9. Figured Bass
   Bassline with numbers indicating chords for improvisation. [p. 124]

Forms & Genres

10. Concerto Grosso
    Small solo group (concertino) vs. full orchestra (tutti). [p. 128]

11. Tutti
    The full orchestra in a concerto grosso. [p. 128]

12. Ritornello Form
    Structure where a main theme (ritornello) alternates with solo sections. [p. 128]

13. Ritornello
    The recurring orchestral theme in ritornello form. [p. 128]

14. Fugue (Excluded per your request, but listed for context)

Performance & Style

15. Sequential Repetition
    A melodic idea repeated at higher/lower pitches. [p. 123]

16. Improvisation
    Expected in figured bass and ornamentation (e.g., trills). [p. 124]

17. Word Painting
    Music mirrors text meaning (e.g., rising notes for "heaven"). [p. 124]

Social Context

18. Patronage System
    Composers employed by aristocracy/church (e.g., Bach at Cöthen). [p. 126]

19. Court Musician Duties
    Composing, performing, teaching, and maintaining instruments. [p. 126]

20. Collegium Musicum
    University music societies for amateur/professional players. [p. 127]

Composers & Works

21. J.S. Bach
    Baroque master of fugues, concertos, and church music. [p. 128–130]

22. Brandenburg Concertos
    Bach’s set of 6 concerti grossi showcasing diverse instruments. [p. 128]

23. Antonio Vivaldi
    Italian composer known for programmatic concertos (e.g., Four Seasons). [p. 128]

24. Arcangelo Corelli
    Pioneer of the trio sonata and concerto grosso. [p. 128]

25. Baroque Orchestra
    Small (10–40 players), strings + continuo core, flexible winds/brass. [p. 124–125]