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
