Compositions > Baroque

Question 1

This composition was based on sonnets written by the composer himself, portions of which were printed above the corresponding passages in the original score:

Answer 1

“Spring” from the Four Seasons

Question 2

This composition is from a collection which takes advantage of the newly invented system of tuning keyboard instruments called “equal temperament”:

Answer 2

Prelude and Fugue in B flat major

Question 3

The overture of this composition is a French Overture consisting of two parts, the first in a majestic character featuring dotted rhythms and the second in an imitative and more active style:

Answer 3

Messiah

Question 4

The subject in this composition is unusually long and is followed by a tonal answer:

Answer 4

Prelude and Fugue in B flat major

Question 5

The first movement of this composition contains vivid word painting including a thunder storm depicted by tremolando passages and rapidly rising thirty-second note scales suggesting lightning:

Answer 5

“Spring” from the Four seasons

Question 6

The second movement of this composition features reduced orchestration with the cellos and continuo absent:

Answer 6

“Spring” from the Four seasons

Question 7

The source of the text of this composition is the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and the librettist is Charles Jennens:

Answer 7

Messiah

Question 8

This composition features broken-chord passages played in breathless thirty-second notes and rapid cadenza-like runs:

Answer 8

Prelude and Fugue in B flat major

Question 9

During this composition, an ostinato is featured in the violas depicting a barking dog:

Answer 9

“Spring” from the Four Seasons

Question 10

This composition contains recitativo secco and accompagnato and also features prominent use of word painting:

Answer 10

Messiah