Baroque Era

Question 1

baroque

Answer 1

• from Portuguese baroque, meaning irregularly shaped or misshapen pearl
• first used as a derogatory term in reference to the overly ornate art of the era
• now applied to art, architecture, and music of the 17th and early 18th centuries

Question 2

figured bass

Answer 2

• a type of musical shorthand
• numbers are placed below the bass line to show harmonic progression
• performed by the basso continuo
• provides the structure for guided improvisation

Question 3

basso continuo

Answer 3

• important element of Baroque performance practice
• generally involves 2 performers (1 playing the notated bass line, other realizing the harmonies as indicated by the figured bass)
• provides harmonic framework
• harmonies usually played on harpsichord or organ

Question 4

monody

Answer 4

• “one song”
• a new style that developed in the late 16th century
• a single vocal melody with simple instrumental accompaniment
• allowed for greater expression of emotion and clarity of text

Question 5

the “Affections”

Answer 5

• refers to emotional states of the soul
• a single “affect” (1 clear emotion) is usually projected through an entire composition or movement
• aka the “Doctrine of Affections”
• vocal music depicted the emotions of the text or dramatic situation
• was a reaction against the complex polyphony of Renaissance music

Question 6

binary form

Answer 6

• 2-part form (AB)
• Section A generally ends with an open cadence
• frequently used in Baroque dances and keyboard pieces

Question 7

rounded binary form

Answer 7

• 2-part musical form

- material from A returns within B

Question 8

ternary form

Answer 8

• 3-part form (ABA)
• B generally creates contrast in key and/or material
• often used in Baroque arias

Question 9

terraced dynamics

Answer 9

• Baroque practice of changing dynamics abruptly

- results in stark contrast rather than gradual change

Question 10

opera

Answer 10

• Italian for “work”
• drama that is sung
• combines vocal and instrumental music with drama (staging and acting) , visual arts (costumes and scenery), and often dance
• created in Italy (1600)
• components include recitative, arias, ensembles, choruses

Question 11

stile rappresentativo (Florentine Camerata)

Answer 11

• Italian for “representative style”
• term used by the Florentine Camerata musicians to describe the monodic style
• a recitative-like melody moves freely over simple chords
• the music was meant to heighten the emotional power of the text

Question 12

castrato

Answer 12

• male soprano or alto voice
• subjected to a surgical procedure before reaching puberty which prevented the voice form changing
• generally used in heroic roles

Question 13

aria

Answer 13

• lyrical song for solo voice with orchestral accompaniment
• often highly emotional and virtuosic
• express the character’s feelings and emotions

Question 14

recitativo secco

Answer 14

• “dry recitative”
• a speech-like, declamatory style of singing
• supported only by continuo
• employed in opera, oratorio, and cantata

Question 15

recitativo accompagnato

Answer 15

• “accompanied recitative”
• a speech-like, declamatory style of singing
• supported by instrumental ensemble or orchestra
• allows for greater connection with the text
• employed in operas, oratorios, and cantatas

Question 16

opera seria

Answer 16

• “serious opera”
• sung throughout
• generally based on historical or mythological subjects

Question 17

stile concitato (Monteverdi)

Answer 17

• “agitated style”
• term used by Monteverdi
• expresses the “hidden tremors of the soul”
• achieved through use of tremolo and pizzicato, and ornamentation and rapid repeated notes

Question 18

ground bass

Answer 18

• Baroque compositional device
• consists of the continuous repetition of a short melody over which free variations occur
• often it provided the basic structure of a Baroque aria

Question 19

cantata

Answer 19

• a multi-movement choral work
• sacred or secular
• for soloists, chorus, and orchestra
• consists of recitatives, arias, ensembles, and choruses

Question 20

chorale

Answer 20

• a hymn tune associated with German Protestantism
• intended for congregational singing, therefore moved mostly by step or narrow leap
• used as the basis for many genres including the cantata
• harmonized for 4 voices (SATB) by composers including J.S. Bach

Question 21

canon

Answer 21

• from the Greek word for “law”
• strict type of polyphonic composition in which each voice enters in succession with the same melody
• canons in which each voice enters on the same pitch are referred to as rounds

Question 22

libretto

Answer 22

• the text of an opera, cantata, or oratorio

- usually written by someone other than the composer

Question 23

fugal texture

Answer 23

• a contrapuntal composition based on the principle of imitation
• a theme (subject) pervades the entire work, entering in 1 voice and then another

Question 24

ritornello

Answer 24

• a recurring theme that functions as a refrain in Baroque composition
• can serve as introduction and postlude in arias or choruses

Question 25

ordre

Answer 25

• French term identifying Baroque dance collections

- often contained numerous miniature dance pieces

Question 26

hornpipe

Answer 26

• lively dance in triple meter
• English origin
• Originally associated with sailors

Question 27

clavier

Answer 27

• German word for any keyboard instrument other than the organ

Question 28

clavichord

Answer 28

• a small rectangular keyboard instrument
• sound is generated by small metal tangents that strike the strings inside the instrument
• the application of vibrato to the key produced an expressive sound

Question 29

harpsichord

Answer 29

• a keyboard instrument
• sound is generated by small quills inside the instrument that pluck the strings
• often had 2 sets of keys

Question 30

gravicembalo

Answer 30

• Italian term for harpsichord