Baroque

Question 1

Baroque Key features: mind map

Answer 1

Composers: Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Monteverdi
Form: Binary (AB), Ternary(ABA), Ritornello.
Dynamics: Terraced dynamics: Forte or Piano
Instrumentation: String Orchestra with added woodwind, Organ, Harpsichord, Clavichord, Basso Continuo.
Instrumental genres: Concerto Grosso, Solo Concerto, Orchestral Suite, Trio Sonata, Keyboard Works (Fugue, Prelude, Chaconne, Passacaglia, Toccata).
Vocal genres: Opera, Mass, Oratorio, Cantata, Motet.
Texture: Polyphonic texture dominates period. Other textures also common.
Harmony: Diatonic, Major and Minor Tonality, limited range of modulations.
Rhythm: Steady Pulse, strong/regular rhythms.
Melody: Diatonic, Continues melodies, some chromatic tones for emotional effect

Question 2

types of works and key board instrumentation

Answer 2

orchestral suite, prelude and fugues, chorale preludes, solo instrumental works.
Harpsichord, organ, clavichord.

Question 3

The baroque suite

Answer 3

Multi-movement, all dances in the same key, either binary or ternary.
standard order of a baroque dance suite:
1-overture
2-Allemand
3-Courante
4-Sarabande
5-Other dance (Hornpipe or minuet) 6-Gigue (jig)

Question 4

Key definitions and features

Answer 4

Keyboard forms are based on Harmony with elements of improvisation.
Strict counterpoint (such as the fugue).
Passacaglia: Repeated bass-line (Ground base) with continues variation played over the top of the bass.
Chaconne: based on a succession of repeated harmonic progressions repeated over and over again, developed with the use of variations.
improvised forms: Prelude, Toccata

Question 5

Fugue and contrapuntal:

Answer 5

Fugue: a contrapuntal composition, based on thematic idea.
Contrapuntal:
1- Augmentation
2- Diminution
3- Original 
4- Inversion
5- Retrograde
6- Retrograde inversion.

Question 6

Vocal Genres

Answer 6

Cantata: Service music for the Lutheran church (Germany), J.S Bach, multi-movement(5-8), German, different Cantata for each Sunday of the church year.
Aria
Recitative
Choruses & Chorales (congregation sang this)

Oratorio: Large scale choral work with a sacred text, usually from the bible. Large scale sacred work.
similar to an opera but not staged.
written for solo voice, chorus and orchestra.
Based on stories from the bible. Overture, interludes, arias, recitative and choruses.

Question 7

Types of concertos

Answer 7

Solo concerto.
Multi-movement: 3 movements; slow-fast-slow.
Virtuous and written to show off the skills of the soloist.
written for solo instruments and orchestral accompaniment.
Concerto Grosso.
Three Movements Fast-Slow-Fast
Written for a small groups of Soloists and Orchestral Accompaniment
Solo Group called Concertino
Accompaniment Group Tutti or Ripieno
First Movement often in Ritornello Form

Question 8

Key features of the baroque opera

Answer 8

Combined Poetry, acting, costumes with singing and instrumental music.
A large scale musical drama.
Based on Roman History and Greek Mythology.
Monteverdi, Purcell, Handel

Question 9

Opera components

Answer 9

Overture: Instrumental introduction to an act or the opening of the opera, sometime instrumental ensemble plays interludes between scenes
-Recitative: Speech-like declaration of the text usually; two types:
Secco – accompanied by Basso Continue
Accompagnato – accompanied by the orchestra
-Aria: A lyrical vocal solo
-Ensemble: A group of Soloist singing a duet, trio, quartet like an Aria but with multiple soloist
-Libretto: text of the opera