Baroque Music: Characteristics, Composers, and Forms

Posted on Sep 28, 2024 in Music

Baroque Music (1600-1750)

Major Composers

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Henry Purcell (1659-1695)

Jean-Baptiste de Lully (1632-1687)

Characteristics of Baroque Music

  1. Initial shift to homophonic texture (melody with simple chords), followed by a return to polyphony.
  2. Basso continuo as the foundation, providing a driving bassline.
  3. Consistent mood or “affection” throughout a piece.
  4. Violin family replacing viols; string section with continuo as the orchestral core.
  5. Major-minor key system replacing modes by the late 17th century.
  6. Main forms: binary, ternary, rondeau, variations (chaconne, ground bass, passacaglia), ritornello, fugue.
  7. Main types: chorale, recitative, opera, oratorio, cantata; Italian overture, French overture, toccata, prelude, chorale prelude, dance suite, sonata da camera, sonata da chiesa, concerto grosso, solo concerto.
  8. Exuberant style with energetic rhythms, ornamented melodies, and contrasts in timbre and dynamics.

Key Terms

Monody: Single vocal line with instrumental bass and chords.

Recitative: Speech-like singing, following natural rhythm and meaning.

Basso continuo: Continuous bass line played by a low instrument (e.g., cello).

Figured bass: Numbers indicating chords to be played above the bass line.

Opera

Opera: Full-length music-drama emerging in 1597.

  • Gained immense popularity.
  • Incorporated choruses, dances, and simple orchestral pieces.

Stile moderno: Melody with simple chordal accompaniment.

Stile antico: Contrapuntal style, often used in church music.

Recitative: Emphasizing arias (songs):

  • Secco: Supported by simple chords or continuo.
  • Accompagnato: Heightened by a simple orchestral accompaniment.

Italian Overture: Three-section form (fast-slow-fast), popularized by Alessandro Scarlatti.

Da Capo Aria: Ternary form (ABA) with the first two sections written and the third indicated by “da capo” (repeat A), allowing for vocal embellishments.

French Overture: Majestic slow opening with dotted rhythms, followed by a faster imitative section, sometimes with dances.

Oratorio

Oratorio: Similar to opera but based on a sacred story, performed without staging in churches or concert halls.

Passion: Oratorio telling the story of Christ’s crucifixion.

Cantata: Miniature oratorio for soloists or chorus with orchestra and continuo, often featuring a chorus, recitatives, arias, duets, and a closing chorale.

Instrumental Music

Fugue: Contrapuntal piece based on imitation, with a “subject” imitated by different “voices” (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).

Chorale Prelude: Organ piece based on a chorale melody, often treated fugally or with variations.

The Suite

Suite: Group of instrumental pieces, often dances (minuet, bourrée, gavotte, passpied), originating from various countries.

Baroque Sonatas

Sonata: Piece for two violins and continuo, sometimes with other instruments replacing violins.

Sonata da chiesa: Church sonata.

Sonata da camera: Chamber sonata, often resembling a suite with dances.

Concerto Grosso

Concerto Grosso: Contrast between a small group of soloists (concertino) and a larger orchestra (ripieno or tutti).

Solo Concerto

Solo Concerto: Single instrument contrasted with a string orchestra, typically in three movements (fast-slow-fast), with fast movements using ritornello form.

Ritornello

Ritornello: Recurring main theme played by the orchestra, alternating with solo sections.

The Orchestra

The Orchestra: String orchestra with continuo, emphasizing contrast and featuring various instruments like flutes, oboes, bassoons, horns, trumpets, and timpani.