Baroque Flashcards
What is a concerto?
A large scale composition for a soloist or a group of soloists accompanied by an orchestra
Who plays a concerto?
Soloists
How many movements does a concerto have?
3 movements contrasted by tempo - fast , slow , fast
What’s a baroque concerto grosso?
An instrumental form involved 2 groups of performers:
1) the concertino
2) the ripieno
What instruments did baroque composers use as a part of the soloist group?
Violin cello flute recorder oboe bassoon trumpet
Which instruments are used for the accompanying group (ripieno)?
Mostly strings
Describe the role of the continuo in the concerto grosso
Which instruments play it?
The accompaniment which fills in the harmony and texture
Played by harpsichord or organ & cello
Key features of baroque melodies in the Concerto Grosso?
Long Flowing Highly decorated using ornamentation: - trills -turns -mordents
What type of texture is most common in the Concerto Grosso
Polyphonic (melodies interweave)
Some Homophonic sections
How are baroque Grosso Concerto structured? How did they contrast?
They were structured in 3 movements contrasted in tempo
Describe form and structure of ritornello
Ritornello is a fast movement starting with a TUTTI
Sections between are called EPISODES
What is an episode?
Sections in between ritornello which contrast
What does TUTTI mean?
All performers play together
Dynamics in the Baroque era
Terraced dynamics used to provide a contrast between loud and soft sections
Dates of baroque era
1600-1750
Famous Baroque composers
Vivaldi
Handel
Bach
What is patronage? How did it work for baroque composers?
Composers worked for wealthy individuals or aristocratic families, the church of opera house.
Composers received commissions from them to write/perform music in return for money and support
What did they receive in return for commissions?
Money and support
Where were baroque concertos performed?
Churches
Opera houses
Courts of wealthy people
What size and type of audience listened to baroque concerto?
Performed in the public
