Baroque

Question 1

Prima practica

Answer 1

A “first practice,” which means a musical practice that was already in place.

This was set in context by Monteverdi who referred to the polyphonic style that characterized the Baroque era that had been developed decades previously and was promoted by Josquin.

Question 2

Seconda Practica

Answer 2

A “second practice” that represented the birth of a new musical style.

This in context refers to the homophonic texture. It was linked to the humanist project – the attempt to recover the original performance practice of ancient Greek and Roman tragedy.

The result of this practice was opera.

Question 3

Did J.S Bach perform the first practice or second practice?

Answer 3

First practice.

Question 4

Florentine Camerata

Answer 4

A group that met in private and discussed how they could change their culture based on what they studied about the past. They wanted to change the face of contemporary music.

Question 5

Why was opera sung in homophony?

Answer 5

Because polyphony would not be desirable in the performance of ancient tradegy. They only featured a single voice so the words would be understood and the feelings beneath those words. The feelings or passions that motivated the character to utter them.

So Baroque revolution begins as a revolution in texture.

Question 6

Opera seria

Answer 6

“A serious work” which was an entirely new genre of music theatre.

Example: Sad tale of Queen Dido in Purcells’ Dido and Aeneas, which was taken from Roman mythology.

Question 7

What was the first great opera that established the genre of opera seria?

Answer 7

Orfeo by Monteverdi

Question 8

Monody

Answer 8

A homophonic setting of a voice that alternated between a speaking style and a singing style.

Question 9

Recitative opera

Answer 9

A plot-orientated musical genre that focus more on plot development.

No regular beat and the speech of voice determine the pacing. Emphasis on clarity of language so information can be succinctly conveyed.

Question 10

Aria

Answer 10

A soliloquy-like genre that focuses on the emotional and ‘inner life’ of characters.

Question 11

Secco recitative

Answer 11

‘dry’ style where the musical accompaniment is kept to a minimum, e.g. just a basso continuo.

Question 12

Accompagnato recitative

Answer 12

Fuller instrumental resources are used for accompaniment.

Question 13

What are the three acts of an opera seria?

Answer 13

1. A situation or circumstance in Act 1.
2. A complication or conflict in Act 2.
3. The consequences of the complication in Act 3.