Baroque General Terms

Question 1

Baroque

Answer 1

• 1600-1750
• Irregularly shaped or misshapen pearl.
• first used derrogatory
• applied to art, architecture and music of the 17th and early 18th centuries

Question 2

Figured Bass

Answer 2

• Musical shorthand developed in the Baroque era.
• numbers are placed below the bass line to show harmonic progression
• performed by basso continuo
• provides structure for guided improvisation

Question 3

Basso Continuo

Answer 3

• Baroque performance practice
• generally involves two performers, one playing bass line, one playing harmonies
• Harmonies usually played on harpsichord or organ
• provides harmonic framework

Question 4

Homophonic Texture

Answer 4

• a single line of melody supported by a harmonic accompaniment.
  Ex. trks

Question 5

Polyphonic Texture

Answer 5

• a combination of two or more melodic lines.
  ex. row your boat sung in rounds

Question 6

The Affections (the Affects)

Answer 6

• “doctrine of affections” or “the affects”
• Baroque philosophy
• refers to emotional states of the soul
• a single affections or affect is usually projected through an entire movement or piece.

Question 7

Ornamentation

Answer 7

• Musical embellishment to decorate a melodic line
• either represented with symbols or improvised.
  ex. trill