AOS1: Baroque style, structures & melody patterns

Question 1

When was the Baroque period?

Answer 1

1600-1750.

Question 2

Who were the key composers of the baroque period?

Answer 2

Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and Purcell.

Question 3

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

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What instruments can play the basso continuo?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What are 7 features of Baroque music?

Answer 5

-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

Question 6

What are motifs?

Answer 6

Short melodic ideas.

Question 7

What is counterpoint?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What does tonal mean?

Answer 8

Music is in a major or minor key.

Question 9

What does modal mean?

Answer 9

The music has no key.

Question 10

What is modulation?

Answer 10

Switching between keys to add contrast.

Question 11

What are the 6 baroque structures?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Describe concerto grosso form.

Answer 12

The concertino is contrasted with the ripieno and basso continuo.

Question 13

Give an example of music written in concerto grosso form.

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Describe solo concerto form.

Answer 14

A solo instrument is showcased and accompanied by an orchestra.

Question 15

Give an example of music written in solo concerto form.

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Describe binary form.

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What structure is usually used for baroque dances?

Answer 17

Binary form.

Question 18

Describe ternary form.

Answer 18

-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.

Question 19

Describe ritornello structure.

Answer 19

-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.

Question 20

Describe theme and variation form.

Answer 20

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

Question 21

How can melodies be varied?

Answer 21

-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

Question 22

Describe ground bass form.

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

What is a fantasia?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

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

Answer 24

-Melodic inversion -Retrograde -Sequencing -Imitation -Ostinato

Question 25

What is melodic inversion?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

What is retrograde?

Answer 26

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

Question 27

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

Answer 27

Retrograde inversion.

Question 28

What is sequencing?

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

What is imitation?

Answer 29

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

Question 30

What is ostinato?

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

What is a trill in Baroque music?

Answer 31

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

Question 32

What is an appoggiatura?

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

What is an acciaccatura?

Answer 33

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

Question 34

What is a mordent?

Answer 34

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

Question 35

What is a turn?

Answer 35

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

Question 36

What is a tremolo?

Answer 36

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

Question 37

What is a glissando?

Answer 37

A slide up the scale.