Understanding Baroque Music

• Music
• Secondary Education
• Age 13

Understanding Baroque Music

Characteristics of Baroque Music

Distinctive musical style from 1600-1750
Use of the harpsichord
Terraced dynamics
Simple diatonic harmony
Continuo section

What do you already know about Baroque music?

The Harpsichord and its Role

An early keyboard instrument
Strings plucked by quills
Unique sound
Inability to play crescendos or diminuendos

Terraced Dynamics

Sudden changes in volume
No gradual crescendos or diminuendos

Simple Diatonic Harmony

Consists of notes within a given key

Continuo Section

Group playing bass line and harmonies
Includes harpsichord or lute
Bass instrument like cello or double bass

Predominance of String Instruments

String instruments dominate Baroque orchestra
Ornamentation adds complexity to melodies

Use of Ornamentation

Decorative notes enhancing expressiveness

Balanced Phrasing

Phrases structured in a symmetrical way

Structure and Instrumentation of the Baroque Orchestra

Smaller orchestra than later periods
Instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, etc.

Modulation to Related Keys

Common in Baroque music
Changing from one key to another

Common Baroque Instruments

Violins, violas, cellos, recorders, flutes, oboes, etc.

Identifying Suitable Baroque Composers

Vivaldi and Bach are notable composers

Structure of a Baroque Concerto

Composed in three movements
Tutti and solo sections
Solo concerto and concerto grosso

Textures in Baroque Concertos

Homophonic texture with contrapuntal sections

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Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

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