AOS1: Baroque style, structures & melody patterns Flashcards
When was the Baroque period?
1600-1750.
Who were the key composers of the baroque period?
Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and Purcell.
Baroque music often had a basso continuo- what is it?
A continuous bass part which follows the chords of the piece.
What instruments can play the basso continuo?
Mostly organs or harpsichords, but can be others like cellos, double basses or bassoons.
What are 7 features of Baroque music?
-Repetition of motifs -Simple harmonies, mainly chords 1 and 5 -Ornaments in melody -Often involves counterpoint -Terraced/stepped dynamics -Tonal (music was previously modal) -Modulation between sections
What are motifs?
Short melodic ideas.
What is counterpoint?
2 or more different melody lines played at the same time- this is contrapuntal/polyphonic.
What does tonal mean?
Music is in a major or minor key.
What does modal mean?
The music has no key.
What is modulation?
Switching between keys to add contrast.
What are the 6 baroque structures?
-Concerto grosso -Solo concertos -Binary form -Ternary form -Ritornello -Theme and variation form -Ground bass form
Describe concerto grosso form.
The concertino is contrasted with the ripieno and basso continuo.
Give an example of music written in concerto grosso form.
Handel’s Concerto Grosso No.5 (Op.6). Concertino: 2 violins and cello. Ripieno: string orchestra. Continuo: harpsichord.
Describe solo concerto form.
A solo instrument is showcased and accompanied by an orchestra.
Give an example of music written in solo concerto form.
Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” is a solo concerto for violin.