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

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

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

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

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

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

Forms & Genres

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

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

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

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

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

Performance & Style

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

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

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

Social Context

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

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

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

Composers & Works

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

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

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

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

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