, Baroque (1600-1750)
Features
>Long melodies based on triads, scales and arpeggios
>Ornamentation -especially at cadences
>Sequences – when a musical idea is repeated up or down one note
>Diatonic harmonies
>Simple modulations
>Driving rhythms push music forward
>Terraced dynamics- no graduating crescendos or diminuendos
>Contrast in timbres- e.g. soloist and orchestra
>Contrast in textures- Homophonic (all parts moving together), polyphonic (all parts moving at
different times), Monophonic (one line)
>predominantly polyphonic
>One mood throughout
Instruments
>Organ and harpsichord where main keyboard instruments due to connection to church music in
this period play basso continuo
>Orchestra born at this time- small in size compared to modern day
>Strings predominant- most developed and largest section of orchestra
>New techniques- pizzicato (plucking notes on string instrument) and tremolo (rapid repetition of
a note to create a trembling effect)
>Woodwind developed- recorder, bassoon, oboe
>occasional use of timpani
>occasional use of trumpet (natural trumpets- no valves)
Styles
>Sacred vocal – oratorio- large scale setting of a religious text for soloists, chorus and orchestra
>Secular vocal
-Opera-Developed in Italy and could be serious or light hearted
-Aria- solo song with instrumental accompaniment. Key part of operas for character development
-Recitative- sung quickly and almost spoken- used to drive on story in opera.
>Instrumental -Overture- orchestral piece used to quiet audience before a larger work
-Solo concerto- soloist and ripieno (orchestra)
Forms and Structures
>Ritornello form- recurring passage for orchestra which alternates with episodes for soloist(s)
>Cadenza- introduced to concertos as a chance for soloists to improvise and show off towards the
end of a movement
Other definitions
>Monosyllabic- one syllable per note
>Melismatic- more than one note per syllable.
3
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller djs1618. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $12.92. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.