Baroque, Classical and Romantic Flashcards
What period does the Baroque era span?
1600-1750
This period is characterized by its elaborate and ornate style in various art forms.
What are the key characteristics of Baroque architecture, art, and music?
Highly ornamented and elaborate
This complexity reflects the cultural and artistic values of the time.
How do melodies in Baroque music typically interact?
They often weave together to create an interesting and busy texture
This interweaving contributes to the richness of Baroque music.
What was the maximum number of players in a Baroque orchestra?
30 players
This relatively small size allowed for a more intimate musical experience.
Which section was the most important in a Baroque orchestra?
String section
Strings played a central role in the overall sound of the orchestra.
What types of instruments were primarily found in a Baroque orchestra?
Strings, Harpsichord, wooden flutes, Bassoon, Natural trumpets, Double bass, cellos, violins, violas
These instruments contributed to the unique sound of Baroque music.
Which percussion instrument was commonly used in Baroque orchestras?
Timpani
Timpani added rhythmic and dynamic variety to orchestral music.
What are the two main techniques used for string instruments in Baroque music?
Pizzicato (Pluck) and Arco (Bow)
These techniques provide different textures and expressions in string playing.
What was the main keyboard instrument in the Baroque period?
Harpsichord
The harpsichord was pivotal in Baroque music, though it had limitations in sustaining notes.
What is a notable limitation of the harpsichord?
It is unable to sustain notes or change volume
This characteristic influenced how musicians performed and embellished melodies.
How do players embellish melodies on the harpsichord?
By adding in ornaments (e.g., trills)
These embellishments enhance the expressiveness of the music.
What is Concerta?
A 3 movement work for a solo instrument and orchestra.
The soloist often signals to the rest of the orchestra that they have finished by playing a trill.
What is a Canon in music?
The melody line is imitated one after the other by a different part, whilst the original melody continues.
Example: ‘Frere Jacques’.
What is a Ground Bass?
A phrase that is repeated continually in the bass line, while the upper parts move and develop with the use of variation.
Usually played by Cello or Bassoon.
What are the two types of cadences?
Perfect and Imperfect cadences.
What characterizes a Perfect cadence?
It has a very grand finished feeling and comprises the chords V-I.
What characterizes an Imperfect cadence?
It always sounds like the music needs to go on further to be fully completed.
It can move from any chord to chord V.
What is Contrary Motion?
It occurs when two parts move in totally opposite directions.
What is a Counter Melody?
Adding in…
It adds interest into music by introducing another melody on top of the original melody.
What years did the Romantic period span?
The Romantic period spanned from 1820 - 1900.
What are key elements of Romantic music?
Emotion and expression are key elements of Romantic music.
What does chromaticism mean?
Chromaticism means moving by an interval of a semitone.
What is modulation in music?
Modulation means to change key, usually the music rises in pitch or moves from major to minor.
What is a pedal in music?
A pedal is a low held or repeated note in the bass.
What is an invented pedal?
An invented pedal is a held or repeated note in the upper register of the instrument.
What is a cadenza?
A cadenza is a passage of music within a concerto which enables the soloist to show off.
What does accelerando mean?
Accelerando means the music gradually speeds up.
What does rallentando (or rit.) mean?
Rallentando (or rit.) means the music gradually slows down.
What was the time period of the Classical period?
The Classical period spanned from 1720-1800.
What are some characteristics of Classical music?
Lighter sounding and more simple, with modulations and more instruments.
What instrument replaced the harpsichord in the Classical period?
The piano (pianoforte) replaced the harpsichord.
What is a coda in music?
A passage of music that effectively brings the whole piece to an end.
It is typically a few bars, more complex, and can be a longer section, lasting 10-20 minutes.
What is Alberti Bass?
Broken chords played by the left hand.
What is the definition of theme and variation in music?
Altering melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, timbre, or instrumentation.
What is a Rondo?
A musical form where the main theme is repeated, typically in the pattern ABACA.
Concerto
Solo showing off
Symphony
Big orchestra
Syllabic
One syllable per note
Melesmatic
More than one syllable per note
Coda
Rush to finish off
Homophonic
Simple rhythm playing at same time
Contrapuntal
Two or more independent melodic lines
Monophonic
Polyphonic
Homophonic
Single melody
Multiple independent melodies
Melody with accompanying harmony
