Baroque definitions Flashcards
Describe the characteristics of the Baroque era
- new forms, genres and instruments
- instrumental music began to receive the same attention as vocal music
- first opera
figured bass
a type of musical shorthand developed in the baroque era where numbers re placed directly below the bass line to show the harmonic progression, providing the structure for guided improvisation
basso continuo
baroque performance practice that provides the harmonic framework, generally involving 2 performers where one plays the notated bass line and the other harmonizes based on the figured bass
usually on harpsichord or organ
monody
“one song” a single vocal melody with a simple instrumental accompaniment. Allowed for greater expression of emotion, and clarity of text.
the Affections
in baroque music where a single emotion is projected through an entire composition or movement
Binary form
two part form- AB
often used in baroque dances and keyboard pieces.
rounded binary
two part form A:| |:B+A:|| section A returns within section B
ternary
three part form ABA where section B often contrasts in key or material.
often used in baroque arias
terraced dynamics
baroque practice of changing dynamics abruptly, creating stark contrast rather than gradual change
Opera
- a new genre invented in Italy around 1600 by a renewed interest in greek drama
- drama presented through music, bringing together art, music, literature, theatre and dance
- all or most of text is sung,
- includes recitative, aria, ensemble, chorus
stile rappresentativo
“representational style”
term used by Florentine Camerata to describe the monadic style- recitative-like melody moving freely over a foundation of simple chords
music meant to heighten the emotional power of the text
castrato
male soprano or alto voice
subjected to a surgical procedure before puberty to prevent the voice from changing
generally used in heroic roles
ex. Nero in Coronation of Poppea
libretto
the text of an opera, oratorio or cantata
aria
lyrical song for solo voice with orchestral accompaniment. Often highly emotional and virtuosic. expresses the characters emotions
recitative
a speech-like, declamatory style of singing used for dialogue and to advance the plot
recitativo secco
dry recitative
recitative supported only by continuo
recitativo accompagnato
recitative supported by instrumental ensemble/orchestra, allows for greater connection with the text
chorus
a group of singers that may be participants in the plot
may be set apart from the staging, serving to comment as a narrator
opera seria
serious opera
sung throughout, generally based on historical or mythological subjects
ex. Coronation of poppea
stile concitato
agitated style- term used by Montiverdi
using ornamentation and rapid repeated notes for voice and tremolo and pizzicato in instruments to express the “hidden treasures of the soul”
ex. coronation of poppea (chorus, final scene)
sinfonia
in baroque denotes the instrumental movement used for transition between scenes in opera
term used by montiverdi
ex. Coronation of poppea
ground bass
baroque compositional device, consisting of continuous repetition of a short melody over which free variations occur
often provides the basic structure of a baroque aria
ex. coronation of poppea (nero and poppea’s final duet)
clavier
german word for any keyboard instrument other than the organ
clavichord
small rectangular keyboard instrument
sound generated by small metal tangents that stike the strings inside
harpsichord
keyboard instrument where sound is generated by small quills inside theinstrument that pluck strings
often had 2 sets of keys
clavecin
French word for harpsichord
gravicembalo
Italian term for harpsichord
Concerto definition and
features
“collaborate”
multi movement work for soloist/s and orchestra
3 movements: fast-slow-fast
mvmnts 1&3 usually used ritornello form
what are the top types of concerto grosso in baroque period?
solo concerto (a single soloist) Concerto grosso (a group of soloists)
concertino
the small group of solo instruments featured in a concerto grosso
ripieno
“full” or “complete”
also known as tutti
denotes the full orchestra in baroque concerto
ritornello form
a structure often used in the 1st and 3rd movements of baroque concerto.
the opening passage (ritornello) is restated throughout the movement
Orchestral Suite
features
instrumental music intended for listening, as opposed to dancing
dances generally in binary form
used contrasting dances in the same key
list the standard dances of an orchestral suite
allemande, courante, sarabande and gigue
list optional dances for an orchestral suite
menuet, gavotte, bourree, aria
ordre
French term identifying Baroque dance collections
Double
term used for “variation” (of the theme) in French keyboard music in baroque era
ornamentation
applied by the performer during repeats or da capo/dal segno.
could take the form of appoggiaturas, trills, mordents, etc.
menuet
a popular Baroque dance of French origin, elegant and in triple meter
Hornpipe
lively dance in triple meter of English origin
originally associated with sailors
Cantata
a multi-movement choral work, sacred or secular
for soloists, chorus, orchestra, consists of recitatives, arias, ensembles and choruses
chorale
a hymn tune associated with German Protestantism. Intended for congregational singing, harmonized for four voices by composers such as Bach
Canon
strict type of polyphonic composition in which each voice enters in succession with the same melody, each voice enters at the same pitch
Fugue
a highly structured imitative contrapuntal composition where a single theme or subject prevails
Fugal Texture
a contrapuntal composition based on the principle of imitation. A theme (aka subject) pervades the entire work
Ritornello
a recurring theme that functions as a refrain in Baroque compositions
Augmentation
a theme is presented in longer time values, often the melody becomes twice as slow as the original
Arioso
a short vocal passage, more lyrical than a recitative but more modest than an aria
oboe de caccia
an alto oboe, in the shape of a curved hunting horn but with a pear shaped bear
oboe d’amore
mezzo soprano oboe, pitched lower than a regular oboe with a pear shaped bell
taille
tenor oboe with a pear shaped bell
