Baroque Music and Dance: Forms, Composers, and Evolution
Religious Vocal Music
Characteristics of Baroque Vocal Music
- Compound forms
- Orchestra, soloists, and choir
- Parts: Recitatives, Arias, and Choirs
The Cantata
The term cantata means “music for singing,” in opposition to the sonata (“music for playing”). Notable composers include Telemann and Bach.
The Oratorio
Similar to an opera but with a religious theme and performed without stage action. Oratorios are typically more elaborate and longer than cantatas, often introducing a narrator. Key composers include Carissimi and Handel.
The Passion
A specific type of oratorio focusing on the Passion and death of Christ. In a Passion, the narrator is typically the Evangelist, soloist singers portray characters from the Gospel, and the choir represents the people. Bach composed significant Passions.
Baroque Instrumental Music
Birth of the Baroque Orchestra
The Baroque era saw the birth of the modern orchestra. Performers began specializing in single instruments, leading to the rise of virtuosos. This period also witnessed significant technical evolution of instruments. The bowed string section and the basso continuo became central. All major instrumental families were established: string, percussion, woodwind, and brass.
Key Instrumental Forms
The Suite
A compound form typically consisting of four movements, often based on dance forms. Suites could be composed for a solo instrument or the entire orchestra. Bach is an important composer of suites.
The Sonata
Usually a four-movement form for a solo instrument, duo, or trio, always accompanied by a basso continuo.
The Concerto
A three-movement form, often featuring a contrast between a soloist or group of soloists and the orchestra.
Concerto Grosso
Features a group of soloists (the concertino) contrasting with the full orchestra (the ripieno). Corelli, Handel, and Bach are prominent composers.
Solo Concerto
Highlights a single instrumental soloist who contrasts with the orchestra. Vivaldi is a renowned master of the solo concerto.
Baroque Dance Forms
Ballet de Cour
The Ballet de Cour marked the golden age of ballet, particularly during the reign of Louis XIV. These were elaborate danced theatrical plays, characterized by the collaboration of great artists, the emergence of professional dancers, and the use of luxurious costumes and masks.
Popular Social Dances
Social dances were popular, often performed in combinations like the Allemande and Courante. Other notable dances include:
- Bourrée: A French dance, characterized by fast movements and a binary rhythm.
- Chaconne: A Spanish dance, typically calm and in a ternary rhythm.
- Sarabande: Another Spanish dance, known for its slow tempo and ternary rhythm.
- Gigue: An English fast dance, often in 6/8 time.