Baroque Music

Question 1

Baroque music typically uses a _____ orchestra

Answer 1

small/smaller

Question 2

Baroque dynamics characteristic

Answer 2

Terraced dynamics – the dynamics change suddenly because of the change in texture. Little use of crescendo and diminuendo or dynamics in general.

Question 3

Baroque rhythm

Answer 3

dance rhythms, driving quavers/semis

Question 4

Baroque texture

Answer 4

Polyphonic texture – Baroque music predominently has 2+ different melodies at the same time with accompaniment. This creates a very busy texture

Question 5

Baroque structure

Answer 5

ritornello, binary, long phrases

Question 6

Baroque melody

Answer 6

Much use of ornamentation – the melodies and right hand of the harpsichord countermelodies are highly ornamented and decorated.

Question 7

Baroque instrumentation

Answer 7

basso continuo, harpsichord, recorder, string orchestra + maybe oboes, horns, timps

Question 8

Baroque harmony

Answer 8

Diatonic harmony – the music is in a major or minor key and uses perfect cadences and functional harmonic chord progressions. Frequent dissonance and modulations

Question 9

What is an oratorio?

Answer 9

A large-scaled work that uses choir (chorus) and an orchestra, performing sacred (religious) music. Usually has 4 movements.

Question 10

Other characteristics

Answer 10

• Basso continuo: an improvised bass line played by the harpsichord or organ and the cello or double bass. They use the figured bass chord symbols to create this accompaniment part.
• Chamber music: small ensembles playing for small audiences in a small setting.
• SATB choir
• Figured bass

Question 11

The baroque era lasted from…

Answer 11

1600-1750