AOS1: Baroque style, structures & melody patterns Flashcards

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1
Q

When was the Baroque period?

A

1600-1750.

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2
Q

Who were the key composers of the baroque period?

A

Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and Purcell.

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3
Q

Baroque music often had a basso continuo- what is it?

A

A continuous bass part which follows the chords of the piece.

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4
Q

What instruments can play the basso continuo?

A

Mostly organs or harpsichords, but can be others like cellos, double basses or bassoons.

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5
Q

What are 7 features of Baroque music?

A

-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

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6
Q

What are motifs?

A

Short melodic ideas.

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7
Q

What is counterpoint?

A

2 or more different melody lines played at the same time- this is contrapuntal/polyphonic.

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8
Q

What does tonal mean?

A

Music is in a major or minor key.

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9
Q

What does modal mean?

A

The music has no key.

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10
Q

What is modulation?

A

Switching between keys to add contrast.

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11
Q

What are the 6 baroque structures?

A

-Concerto grosso -Solo concertos -Binary form -Ternary form -Ritornello -Theme and variation form -Ground bass form

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12
Q

Describe concerto grosso form.

A

The concertino is contrasted with the ripieno and basso continuo.

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13
Q

Give an example of music written in concerto grosso form.

A

Handel’s Concerto Grosso No.5 (Op.6). Concertino: 2 violins and cello. Ripieno: string orchestra. Continuo: harpsichord.

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14
Q

Describe solo concerto form.

A

A solo instrument is showcased and accompanied by an orchestra.

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15
Q

Give an example of music written in solo concerto form.

A

Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” is a solo concerto for violin.

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16
Q

Describe binary form.

A

-2 contrasting sections- each section is repeated: AABB structure. -Modulation between sections, to related keys: if minor-> relative major. If major-> dominant key.

17
Q

What structure is usually used for baroque dances?

A

Binary form.

18
Q

Describe ternary form.

A

-3 sections, general structure ABA but sections can be repeated, e.g. AABBAA. -Section A ends in home key, normally with a perfect cadence. -In section B, it often modulates to a related key, then returns to the home key.

19
Q

Describe ritornello structure.

A

-The same musical idea is repeated at various points in a piece. -A formal structure of this type is a rondo: the main theme, A, is repeated, separated by different sections, creating forms like ABACA and ABACAD.

20
Q

Describe theme and variation form.

A

-Theme is usually a memorable melody. -Theme is played first, with pauses between variations on that theme. -No limit on variations.

21
Q

How can melodies be varied?

A

-Add notes to make it more complex. -Remove notes to make it more simple. -Add a countermelody -Modulate -Change tonality -Change chord pattern -Add a different accompaniment

22
Q

Describe ground bass form.

A

The main theme is a fixed and repeating bass part- called the ground, or basso ostinato. Varying melodies and harmonies, becoming more complex, are played over the top.

23
Q

What is a fantasia?

A

A composer uses imagination and skill to compose a piece with an improvised feel, and that doesn’t follow a set structure. These often involve variations on a theme.

24
Q

Give 5 techniques which were used to adapt melodies in Baroque music.

A

-Melodic inversion -Retrograde -Sequencing -Imitation -Ostinato

25
Q

What is melodic inversion?

A

The tune is turned upside down: there are the same intervals between notes, but they go in the opposite direction.

26
Q

What is retrograde?

A

The tune is played backwards- reverse order but with the same rhythm.

27
Q

What is it called when melodic inversion and retrograde are applied to the same melodic line?

A

Retrograde inversion.

28
Q

What is sequencing?

A

Repeating the pattern of a phrase while varying the pitch (starting on a different note). Called a sequence. Ascending sequences go up in pitch; descending sequences go down.

29
Q

What is imitation?

A

Repeating a phrase with slight changes each time. Works well if one voice/instrument imitates another, then overlaps.

30
Q

What is ostinato?

A

Keeping one pattern the same and changing the rest. The ostinato is usually played by the bass part. Ground bass form features (often very long) ostinato phrases in the bassline.

31
Q

What is a trill in Baroque music?

A

Quickly switching between the note above the written one and the written one.

32
Q

What is an appoggiatura?

A

An extra note in a chord; takes half the time value of the note it leans on. Starts on a note that clashes with the chord (usually 1 or 2 semitones apart) then moves to a note in the chord- called the resolution.

33
Q

What is an acciaccatura?

A

Means “crushing in” - a grace note. Played quickly before a note.

34
Q

What is a mordent?

A

Play the written note, one above and the the written one again.

35
Q

What is a turn?

A

Play the note above the written note, then the written note, the note below and end on the written note.

36
Q

What is a tremolo?

A

Often played on strings, a rapid repetition of one note.

37
Q

What is a glissando?

A

A slide up the scale.